At Atlanta Prostate Center, our mission is to provide men with advanced, personalized care for prostate cancer. One of the most promising innovations in prostate cancer treatment is Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Ablation, a non-thermal focal therapy that precisely targets and destroys cancer cells while protecting urinary and sexual function.
For some men, however, prostate size can be a limiting factor. An enlarged prostate may reduce the effectiveness of PEF Ablation or make the procedure more technically challenging. In these cases, shrinking the prostate beforehand can improve treatment precision, comfort, and outcomes.
Why Prostate Size Matters in PEF Ablation
PEF Ablation works by delivering controlled electrical pulses into the prostate to destroy cancerous tissue while sparing nearby nerves and structures. This precision allows many men to maintain continence and erectile function.
When the prostate gland is significantly enlarged, several challenges can arise. Large glands make it harder to precisely target cancerous tissue, which reduces the accuracy of treatment. The cancerous area may also be more difficult to reach with treatment probes, limiting access. In addition, an enlarged prostate can increase the complexity of the procedure, which may impact patient comfort and prolong recovery time.
That is why our team always evaluates prostate volume carefully during diagnosis and treatment planning. By reducing prostate size first, we can make PEF Ablation safer and more effective.
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) for Enlarged Prostate
For men with large prostates, Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is often the most effective way to shrink the gland before undergoing ablation therapy.
PAE is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Using a small catheter inserted through the wrist or groin, the arteries that supply blood to the prostate are selectively blocked. This reduces blood flow, causing the prostate to shrink over time.
Key Benefits of PAE
Minimally invasive: No incisions are required, and the procedure is done through a small puncture.
Fast recovery: Most men return home the same day.
Proven effectiveness: PAE can significantly reduce prostate size while also improving urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
By combining PAE with PEF Ablation, patients benefit from a comprehensive approach: first addressing prostate size, then targeting prostate cancer with precision therapy.
Combining PAE and PEF Ablation for Prostate Cancer
For the right patients, PAE and PEF Ablation complement each other. Shrinking the prostate first allows better probe placement during PEF therapy, which enhances accuracy. Patients are also more comfortable during treatment, and recovery tends to be smoother.
This approach is particularly valuable for men with:
Localized prostate cancer visible on MRI.
Enlarged prostates that could complicate focal therapy.
Goals of preserving function while receiving effective cancer treatment.
At Atlanta Prostate Center, we use advanced imaging, including prostate MRI, to determine who may benefit from PAE before moving forward with PEF Ablation.
Next Steps
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and also have an enlarged prostate, you may still be a candidate for PEF Ablation after reducing prostate size with PAE. Our specialists at the Atlanta Prostate Center will evaluate your case, review imaging, and guide you through your options.
Contact the Atlanta Prostate Center today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a personalized plan that delivers both safety and effectiveness while protecting your quality of life.
