Assessing Functional Outcomes After Focal Therapy

Focal therapy for localized prostate cancer is associated with good functional outcomes without compromising on oncological safety. There are many patient-reported instruments used to assess quality-of-life outcomes; however, no consensus currently exists on which tools to use for reporting. We recommend using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) or Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) to monitor urinary symptoms, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) or EPIC for sexual function, Clavien-Dindo for side effects, pad-free rate or EPIC urinary domain for continence and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) for the physical/mental assessment. We believe these outcomes should be monitored every 3–6 months following treatment until they stabilize or reach their baseline.