A new clinical trial suggests that men with localized, intermediate-risk prostate cancer recover more quickly and experience fewer short-term side effects when treated with MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) compared with standard robotic prostate surgery.
The CAPTAIN trial, presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting, included 212 patients treated across 23 medical centers between 2022 and 2025. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either TULSA, a minimally invasive procedure, or robotic prostatectomy.
Results showed that patients treated with TULSA had less blood loss, were more often discharged the same day, and reported lower pain levels and faster return to normal activities within a month. In contrast, patients who underwent surgery were more likely to require hospital stays and experienced a slower recovery.
Researchers note that while robotic prostate removal remains effective for cancer control, it can lead to long-term side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. TULSA, which uses MRI guidance and ultrasound energy delivered through the urethra to precisely destroy cancer tissue, aims to minimize damage to surrounding structures and preserve quality of life.
Experts emphasize that early recovery is an important factor in treatment decisions, alongside long-term cancer outcomes. The CAPTAIN study is designed to provide high-quality evidence to help patients and doctors compare treatment options more effectively.
Long-term follow-up over 10 years is planned to assess cancer control, urinary and sexual function, and the need for additional treatments.
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