TORONTO, Nov. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Profound Medical Corp. (TSX-V:PRN) (OTCQX:PRFMF) ("Profound" or the "Company"), the only company to provide a therapeutics platform that provides the precision of real-time MR imaging combined with the safety and ablation power of directional (inside-out) and focused (outside-in) ultrasound technology for the incision-free ablation of diseased tissue, today announced that Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ("BPH") treatments utilizing TULSA-PRO® are now being successfully conducted in Germany.
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland due to an overgrowth of prostate cells. It is a common condition as men age, often impeding the flow of urine and creating significant urinary symptoms. Current surgical treatment of BPH can result in potential complications such as retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, significant bleeding, and require long recovery times. Therefore, for several years many alternative treatments have been investigated.
TULSA-PRO® may present a promising modality for treatment of BPH, as it enables incision-free and targeted ablation of excessive prostate tissue by providing real-time MRI visualization as well as millimeter precision. The enhanced precision, the ability to personalize the treatment to the patient's anatomy, and the promise of providing a one-time minimally invasive solution for BPH is now beginning to be embraced by clinicians in Europe that are gaining early experiences with this technology for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.
For example, ALTA Klinik ("ALTA") in Bielefeld, Germany has begun treating BPH patients with TULSA-PRO® under the supervision of Dr. Agron Lumiani, a leading German radiologist and an early adopter of MRI diagnostics and biopsy for prostate disease.
"Our early clinical experience with TULSA-PRO® for focal therapy in prostate cancer has been very positive," commented Dr. Lumiani. "We have been able to achieve precise ablation with the TULSA procedure. What is truly encouraging is the patient quality of life outcomes in erectile and urinary function."
Dr. Lumiani continued, "Current surgical treatment of BPH still presents with potential complications and a longer recovery time for patients. Men are looking for minimally invasive options with this condition. In our first few BPH patients undergoing treatment with TULSA-PRO®, our procedure goals of reduction of prostate tissue with preservation of peripheral zone and the ejaculatory duct have been successfully achieved. I was pleased to see us being able to treat prostates as large as 122cc. Early patient follow-ups look promising."
