Background: Despite the evidence supporting the use of focal therapy (FT) in patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa), considerable variability exists in the patient selection criteria across current studies. This study aims to review the most recent evidence concerning the optimal approach to patient selection for FT in PCa. Methods: PubMed database was systematically queried for studies reporting patient selection criteria in FT for PCa before December 31, 2023. After excluding non-relevant articles and a quality assessment, data were extracted, and results were described qualitatively. Results: There is no level I evidence regarding the best patient selection approach for FT in patients with PCa. Current international multidisciplinary consensus statements recommend multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) followed by MRI-targeted and systematic biopsy for all candidates. FT may be considered in clinically localized, intermediate risk (Gleason 3 + 4 and 4 + 3), and preferably unifocal disease. Patients should have an acceptable life expectancy. Those with prostate volume >50 ml and erectile dysfunction should not be excluded from FT. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of < 20 (ideally < 10) ng/mL is recommended. However, the utility of other molecular and genomic biomarkers in patient selection for FT remains unknown. Conclusions: FT may be considered in well-selected patients with localized PCa. This review provides a comprehensive insight regarding the optimal approach for patient selection in FT.

In this review, we evaluated literature regarding different modalities for multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and mpMRI-targeted biopsy (TB) for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa). We identified studies evaluating systematic biopsy (SB) and TB in the same patient, thereby allowing each patient to serve as their own control. Although the evidence supports the accuracy of TB, there is still a proportion of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) that is detected only in SB, indicating the importance of maintaining SB in the diagnostic pathway, albeit with additional cost and morbidity. There is a growing subset of data which supports the role of TB alone, which may allow for increased efficiency and decreased complications. We also compared the literature on transrectal (TR) vs. transperineal (TP) TB. Although further high-level evidence is necessary, current evidence supports similar csPCa detection rate for both approaches. We also evaluated various TB techniques such as cognitive fusion biopsy (COG-TB) and in-bore biopsy (IB-TB). COG-TB has comparable detection rates to software fusion, but is operator-dependent and may have reduced accuracy for smaller lesions. IB-TB may allow for greater precision as lesions are directly targeted; however, this is costly and time-consuming, and does not account for MRI-invisible lesions.

Conventional staging for prostate cancer (PCa) is performed for men diagnosed with unfavorable-intermediate or higher risk disease. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis and whole body bone scan remains the standard of care for the detection of visceral, nodal, and bone metastasis. The implementation of the 2012 United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendation against routine prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening resulted in a rise of metastatic PCa at the time of diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of effective imaging modalities for evaluating metastatic disease. CT plays a major role in clinical staging at the time of PCa diagnosis, but multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now integrated into many prostate biopsy protocols for the detection of primary PCa, and may be a surrogate for CT for nodal staging. Current guidelines incorporate both CT and MRI as appropriate cross-sectional imaging modalities for the identification of nodal metastasis in indicated patients. There is an ongoing debate about the utility of traditional cross-sectional imaging modalities as well as advanced imaging modalities in detection of both organ-confined PCa detection and nodal involvement.

In an effort to decrease the morbidity associated with prostate cancer treatment, many urologists are turning to focal therapy as an alternative treatment option. With this approach, the cancer bearing portion of the prostate is targeted while leaving the benign tissue untouched. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) remains the gold standard for visualization during focal therapy, but new imaging modalities such as prostate specific membrane antigen/positron emission tomography (PSMA/PET) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are being investigated. Furthermore, several biomarkers, such as prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA 3) and prostate health index (PHI), are used in conjunction with imaging to improve risk stratification prior to focal therapy. Lastly, there are several novel technologies such as nanoparticles and transurethral devices that are under investigation for use in focal therapy.