Laser or freezing: a gentler approach to prostate cancer?

NCT ID NCT02759744

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Disease control Sponsor: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This pilot study is testing a device that uses ultrasound images to guide a laser or freezing probe directly into prostate tumors. The goal is to destroy only the cancerous tissue while sparing healthy areas. Thirty men with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer that hasn't spread will be treated and followed for three years to see if the approach is safe and practical.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: laser ablation or cryotherapy device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a less invasive, outpatient-like treatment for low-risk prostate cancer, potentially reducing side effects compared to surgery or radiation.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study (30 men) focused on feasibility, not effectiveness. The treatment may not fully destroy the tumor, and long-term outcomes are unknown.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

prostate cancer prostate neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PROSTATE CANCER PROSTATE NEOPLASMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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