AUA 2017: Nanoparticle Directed Ultra-Focal Laser Ablation of Prostate Tumors

Boston, MA (UroToday.com) AuroLase Therapy utilizes AuroShell particles with a near infrared laser source to thermally destroy cancer tissue without damage to surrounding tissue. Specifically, AuroShell particles consist of a gold metal shell and a non-conducting silica core and serves as an exogenous absorber of the laser energy delivered by the fiber. These particles are administered intravenously and because of their small size they are able to enter the tumor through the enhanced permeability and retention effect. These particles accumulate in the tumor and are unable to accumulate in healthy tissue. After the particles accumulate in the tumor, the area is illuminated with a near-infrared laser and the AuroShell particles absorb this wavelength and convert the laser light into heat, which ablates the tumor.

In this podium presentation, which was awarded best paper at the Engineering & Urology Society, Dr. Winoker described the utilization of this technology to target patients with prostate cancer. In a Phase II study, they reported the results of the first cases in the world to have been treated with this therapy. The treatment and follow up plan was as follows: patient presented on day 0 for IV infusion, on day 1 laser catheters are placed using a combination of ultrasound and transperineal electromagnetic-tracked MR/US fusion device (UroNav), at 48 hours post-ablation the patient is reimaged. Next, the patient has reimaging and needle biopsy at 3 months.

Five patients have been treated thus far using the AuroLase therapy. Thermocouples were placed adjacent to the urethra and rectum during the procedure and the recorded temperatures near these structures were in the safe range. They have noted a mean 30% decrease in PSA and one patient with residual disease on needle biopsy. The patient with residual disease likely was undertreated at time of initial procedure. No short-term complications have been observed to date.

This is the first reported use of ultra-focal therapy using MR/US fusion technology in concert with AuroLase therapy to treat prostate cancer. The authors acknowledge that more long-term follow up is necessary to determine the ultimate success of this procedure.

Presented by: Jared S. Winoker, Department of Urology, Mount Sinai, New York, NY

Affiliation: Department of Urology, Mount Sinai, New York, NY

Written By: Roshan M. Patel, MD, Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine

at the 2017 AUA Annual Meeting - May 12 - 16, 2017 – Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Login