From Beijing to London: A Breakthrough in Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer Presented at Conference

On March 13, the 41st Annual European Association of Urology Congress (EAU26) officially opened in London, United Kingdom. As one of the leading global events in urology, the congress brought together clinicians, researchers, and industry experts from around the world to explore cutting-edge research, key clinical challenges, and the latest technological innovations in the field.

At the session on “Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer,” Dr. Zhang Kai, a Urologist at Beijing United Family Hospital, presented a highly anticipated international multicenter study on the early assessment of efficacy following irreversible electroporation (IRE).

Irreversible electroporation is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer. It works by delivering precisely controlled high-voltage electrical pulses that create permanent nanopores in tumor cell membranes, ultimately triggering cell death.

Compared with traditional radical surgery, IRE offers several important advantages, including shorter procedure times, faster recovery, and lower rates of perioperative complications. It also enables highly precise tumor ablation while preserving surrounding structures, including the urethra, blood vessels, and critical neurovascular bundles.

As a result, this technique has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications commonly associated with conventional surgery, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, providing patients with an option that better preserves quality of life.

Dr. Zhang’s presentation drew significant interest from attending experts and sparked lively discussion. During the congress, he also met with international peers from Hong Kong (China), the Netherlands, Canada, and other regions to exchange insights on future research directions and potential collaborations.

Presenting these innovative findings on a leading international academic stage not only highlights the clinical and research strengths of Beijing United Family Hospital in minimally invasive urologic oncology but also further strengthens United Family Healthcare’s growing global network of collaboration.

Beijing United Family Hospital has now fully implemented irreversible electroporation technology and is offering this precise, minimally invasive treatment to eligible patients with early-stage prostate cancer.