Laser in the treatment of localized prostatic carcinoma.

Laser treatment associated with transurethral resection of the prostate is a new and promising approach for curative treatment of stages T1 and T2 prostatic cancer. The neodymium-YAG laser beam can be conducted down a flexible quartz fiber cable, which permits its use through a cystoscope. The laser provides an area of tissue destruction to a depth of 4 to 6 mm. Followup in 16 patients revealed no serious complications and the functional results have been good. Currently, 15 patients have no sign of disease, while treatment failed in 1 with stage T3 cancer. The value of laser treatment is confined to the control of local disease.