What is cryotherapy?
In this targeted, minimally invasive treatment, the tumor tissue in the prostate is alternately cooled and reheated with special gases using fine hollow needles. The temperature drops to as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. This controlled cold-warm alternation destroys the cancer cells in a targeted manner. To protect surrounding healthy tissue, the doctors use special sensors to continuously measure the temperature during the procedure. In this way, the healthy tissue can be spared as much as possible. The prostate as a functional organ remains intact.
What are the advantages of cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure for localized prostate cancer. The method has the following advantages:
- No incisions in the skin
- No external scars
- Precise removal of the tumor focus with millimeter accuracy
- Low blood loss
- Short anesthesia time
- Hardly any pain
- Reduced risk of side effects such as involuntary loss of urine (incontinence) or erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- Short hospital stay of two nights
- Usually no subsequent rehabilitation necessary
Prostate cancer treatment at the USZ: individual, innovative, gentle
At the USZ, we offer the most suitable and gentle therapy for every form of prostate cancer – always based on current, evidence-based guidelines. For low-risk tumors, we rely on active surveillance instead of immediate treatment. If the cancer is localized and of medium risk, modern focal therapies such as cryotherapy or highly focused ultrasound treatment(HIFU) are used. In the case of more aggressive tumors, we perform prostate removal using state-of-the-art robot-assisted surgery – as precisely and tissue-sparingly as possible. Our aim is to find the best possible balance between treatment safety, functional preservation and quality of life for each patient.
Who is cryotherapy suitable for?
Not all patients with prostate cancer can receive focal therapy. Cryotherapy is used exclusively for moderately aggressive cancer that is limited to the prostate. Cryotherapy can also be used as a second treatment for recurrent cancer after radiotherapy.
At the USZ, we offer novel genetic tests to assess tumor aggressiveness. Cancer tissue removed during prostate biopsy can be analyzed by molecular biology. The test results allow clear conclusions to be drawn about tumor spread and aggressiveness. This allows a well-founded assessment of which treatment option is appropriate, whether active observation, focal therapy or prostate removal.
If cryotherapy is not an option due to the location of the tumor in the prostate, we check whether the cancer can instead be treated gently with another focal therapy, HIFU – a high-precision ultrasound procedure.
Ask the University Hospital Zurich for advice on whether cryotherapy is an option for you. Cryotherapy also has special advantages for international patients. The duration of hospitalization after surgery is short and follow-up treatment can easily take place in the patient’s home country.
For international patients
Are you planning medical treatment in Switzerland? Would you like to have a Skype consultation? We are here for you with pleasure!
How does cryotherapy work?
The procedure takes about one to two hours and is performed under general anesthesia. First, the doctor inserts a catheter containing warm fluid into the bladder via the urethra. This measure serves to protect the bladder and the adjacent bowel from the cold that occurs during the further course of treatment. Subsequently, millimeter-thin hollow needles are inserted into the prostate through the skin in the area between the anus and the penis (the so-called perineum) using a template. Some additional needles measure the temperature in and around the prostate to ensure a safe and controlled treatment.
The position of the needles is checked using a transrectal ultrasound. A special ultrasound wand is inserted into the rectum so that the prostate and the needles can be closely observed during the procedure. Argon gas is then fed into the tumor tissue via the inserted needles to freeze it. A cycle of freezing and thawing is repeated twice to destroy the tumor tissue in a targeted manner.
What does the follow-up treatment look like?
As a rule, patients stay in hospital for two nights for a check-up. In order to give the bladder sufficient time to recover and to ensure the flow of urine, men are given a urinary catheter. After its removal, patients usually remain in the clinic for a few hours for observation. If they are able to urinate without any problems, they can then be discharged home.
The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is checked every three months after treatment. Six or twelve months after therapy, an MRI and a control biopsy are recommended. Check-ups can be performed at the USZ or at a hospital close to home. If prostate cancer cells reappear, cryotherapy can be repeated six months after the first procedure.
What does cryotherapy cost?
Cryotherapy for prostate cancer is a mandatory benefit provided by Swiss health insurance companies. Before each treatment, we submit a cost estimate, which is usually approved.
Why the USZ?
The USZ offers university-based, internationally recognized cutting-edge medicine and is one of the best hospitals in the world. No matter what health challenge you face, we work closely together across disciplines to quickly find a diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan for you. Our hospital is located in the heart of Zurich and right next to Zurich Airport.
