Transurethral microwave thermotherapy of the prostate – Evaluation with MRI and analysis of parameters relevant to outcome

Prostate volume and age are predictors of energy delivery using the CoreTherm Concept in patients with LUTS/BPO: a study on thermal dose

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the use of thermal dose as a secondary (or an alternative) endpoint when using the CoreTherm Concept.Material and methods: Baseline and treatment data from 283 consecutive treatments were evaluated. All patients had lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). After evaluation, benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) was evident. As treatment, the CoreTherm Concept was used in all patients with LUTS/BPO. Data parameters were retrospectively extracted and included patient age, prostate volume, energy delivery, treatment time and calculated cell kill. In addition, assessment of temperature curves and calculated intraprostatic blood flow was made to define an optimal treatment. In total, 199 treatments assessed as optimal were included in the study.Results: There was a significant correlation between pretreatment prostate volume and energy delivery (p < .001). Age also influenced energy consumption significantly (p = .01).Conclusion: The solid correlation between pretreatment prostate volume and age versus total energy deposition implies the recommendation that a pretreatment calculation of an appropriate energy deposition should be used in all treatments as an alternative treatment endpoint.