Profound Medical said it launched a study of its transurethral ultrasound ablation device for treating prostate cancer
The 30-patient trial will examine whether the device, which treats the entire prostate gland in 1 session using MRI-guided ultrasound energy, can improve patients quality of life.
“It’s not a question of improving mortality rates – those are already very good. This is about improving quality-of-life outcomes,” Steven Plymale, CEO of Toronto-based Profound, said in prepared remarks. “The objective of our trial is to demonstrate that it’s possible to safely and effectively eliminate the cancerous tissue with decreased risk of side effects such as long-term impairment to bladder or bowel control, or erectile function.”
The technology was developed collaborative with with London Health Sciences Center, Ontario, Western University, and the Lawson’s Health Research Institute, according to a press release.