3D prostate models ease fears of men facing cancer
WORRIED men are having their fears about prostate cancer treatment eased by models of the gland – created by 3D printing technology. Surgeons are using images from MRI scans to put together full-scale models of the walnut-sized gland to use in consultations.
They say the models could reduce the chances of important cancers being missed, or of unnecessary treatment that can result in erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
Mr Hashim Ahmed, consultant urologist at Nuada Urology in London, said: ‘3D models can build a more accurate picture of the problem, and are a useful visual aid to help patients understand treatment options.
‘The prostate is relatively small – slightly bigger than a walnut – and is surrounded by delicate tissue, making it potentially very difficult to treat.
‘The 3D model is incredibly accurate and much easier to interpret than a flat image from a scan, giving the surgeon and the patient a tactile aid to make an informed decision about what action to take.’
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK, with about 130 cases diagnosed every day. It affects about one in eight men.
Treatment depends on the size and stage of the cancer. This can include active surveillance or ‘watchful waiting’ for slow-growing prostate cancer, rather than treating straight away, to avoid unnecessary treatment.
Other options include removing the prostate gland, or radiotherapy in more advanced cases.
But treatment carries the risk of side effects. Damaging or destroying healthy tissue surrounding the prostate can result in erectile dysfunction in up to 60 per cent of patients, and incontinence in up to one in five men.
Radiotherapy can cause bleeding and discomfort in five per cent of patients, and incontinence in about one per cent. Newer treatments, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) or cryotherapy, aim to reduce these side effects, and Mr Ahmed says 3D models can help guide surgeons accurately before and during treatment. Crucially, their use could result in fewer low-risk cancers in younger patients being treated unnecessarily, and fewer medium-to-high risk cancers being classified as low-risk.
Investigation of the models could also prevent men being wrongly advised to take a ‘wait-and-see’ approach when it would be more appropriate to offer treatment.
‘Surgery and radiotherapy cannot be repeated, so you really don’t get a second chance,’ Mr Ahmed said. ‘The model allows the surgeon to make an accurate call on how much tissue surrounding the tumour they want to treat or remove.’
Daniel Lowenberg, a 54-year-old physicist from Finchley in North-West London, was diagnosed with prostate cancer last autumn. ‘I felt very anxious as my father died of prostate cancer 15 years ago,’ he said.
Mr Lowenberg met Mr Ahmed at Nuada Urology on Harley Street, who recommended the 3D printout.
‘Being able to see the problem in model form really helped put my mind at rest,’ Daniel said. ‘We’re weighing up my options right now, but it’s looking likely Mr Ahmed will try HIFU.’
A 3D model costs about £180 and can be printed out in less than a week using 3D printer software.
The Nuada clinic is the only one in the UK where the technology is available. But Mr Ahmed, who is also consultant urologist at University College Hospital, London, hopes it will be available nationwide in the next few years.
‘Having treated prostate cancer patients for several decades, knowing the understandable concerns and risks involved, 3D printouts are a massive leap forward,’ he said.