Microwave zaps prostate tumors without major surgery
NCT ID NCT03023345
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested a new way to treat low-risk prostate cancer using a microwave probe inserted through the rectum. The goal was to see if it could safely destroy the main tumor while protecting nearby tissues. Eleven patients were treated, and the researchers checked for complete tumor death on MRI scans and monitored side effects like sexual function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- microwave ablation device (TATO system)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a less invasive treatment option for low-risk prostate cancer, potentially reducing side effects like erectile dysfunction.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very small early feasibility study (11 patients) with no control group, so results may not apply broadly. Long-term cancer control and safety are not yet proven.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
11 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Sep 2017
- Finished
-
Apr 2019
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
45 to 76 years
- Sex
-
Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged from 45 to 76 years old ; * Life expectancy above 10 years ; * Diagnosis of prostate cancer confirmed on prostate biopsies ; * Low risk of progression, defined with D'Amico criteria : * T1c or T2a stage * Maximum Gleason score of 3+4, including targeted biopsies corresponding to less than 50% grade 4 for the tumor * Prostate Specific Antigen \<15 ng/mL * Detection of the index tumor with prostate MRI, characterized with targeted biopsies using MRI-transrectal ultrasound image registration ; * Patient accepting to be followed after the procedure using active surveillance protocol standards ; * Patient affiliated to national health care insurance ; * Free consent, informed and written, dated and signed by the patient and the investigator before enrollment. Exclusion Criteria: * Medical past history of prostatic surgery ; * Medical past history of radiotherapy or pelvic trauma ; * Medical past history of acute or chronic prostatitis * severe BPH-related urinary tract symptoms defined as an IPSS \>18 ; * Extra-capsular extension or seminal vesicle invasion on prostate MRI. * Tumor involvement \> 3 mm on systematic biopsies outside the tumor volume detected on MRI. * Tumor largest axis \> 20 mm on prostate MRI ; * Distance of less than 5 mm between the tumor and the rectum * Patient unable to understand the course of the study * History of allergy or non-tolerance to gadolinium salts used in MRI * Patient with a contraindication to performing an MRI * Person placed under safeguard of justice
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Low risk prostate cancer are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
Paris, Paris, France
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.