Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
227. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health to include high intensity focused ultrasound in the public healthcare system for those suffering with prostate cancer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35412/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NCCP published the HSE National Clinical Guideline ‘The Use of Focal Therapy in Patients with Prostate Cancer’ in April 2025. For the purpose of the guideline, focal therapy refers to high-intensity focal ultrasound (HIFU) and cryotherapy. This national clinical guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on the use of focal therapy in patients with prostate cancer by integrating the best research evidence with clinical expertise, patient values and experiences. The guideline was developed by a multi-disciplinary group including patient representatives.
This guideline addresses the use of focal therapy in patients with prostate cancer. Some studies have shown that focal therapy has better functional outcomes compared with radical treatment in patients with localised prostate cancer, however, the long term oncological outcomes are, at present, unknown.
The guideline recommends:
• ‘For patients with localised prostate cancer, focal therapy is not routinely recommended due to the lack of long-term oncological data.
• Focal therapy may only be considered for patients with localised prostate cancer on a case-by-case basis following shared decision-making with the patient.
• It is further outlined that: 'Any patients undergoing focal therapy should be enrolled in a prospective registry or participate in a clinical trial.’
