SIR 2026 | Study Finds Minimally Invasive Prostate Cancer Therapy Linked to Faster Recovery

Men with localized, intermediate-risk prostate cancer may recover more quickly with a minimally invasive treatment than with standard surgery, according to new findings presented Sunday at the SIR 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting.

Results from the CAPTAIN Trial, a randomized clinical study, showed that patients treated with MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) returned to normal activities sooner and experienced less short-term disruption to daily life compared with those undergoing robotic prostatectomy.

The study followed 212 men across 23 medical centers between 2022 and 2025. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either TULSA—performed by interventional radiologists—or robotic prostate surgery, the current standard treatment.

Researchers found that TULSA patients had less blood loss, were typically discharged the same day, and reported lower pain levels and faster recovery at one month. In contrast, surgical patients were more likely to require overnight hospitalization and experienced slower recoveries.

“For many patients, how quickly they can get back to work, family life and everyday routines really matters,” said Dr. David A. Woodrum, an interventional radiologist at Mayo Clinic and the study’s primary investigator. “These early results suggest that TULSA may allow patients to recover more quickly and maintain a better quality of life following treatment, while still effectively treating the cancer.”

While surgery remains effective in controlling prostate cancer, it can lead to long-term side effects such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. TULSA uses real-time MRI guidance to deliver targeted ultrasound energy through the urethra, precisely heating and destroying cancerous tissue while sparing surrounding structures—an approach researchers say may help preserve urinary and sexual function.

“While longer-term cancer control and functional outcomes remain critical, early recovery is an important part of the treatment decision for patients,” Woodrum said. “CAPTAIN is providing high-quality randomized data to help patients and physicians have more informed conversations about treatment options.”

Participants will continue to be followed for up to 10 years to assess long-term outcomes, including cancer control, urinary function, sexual health, and the need for additional treatment.