Dear colleagues,
It is an honor for me to present The Focal, a scientific meeting dedicated to updating our knowledge on Focal Therapy for prostate cancer. Focal Therapy represents an evolving therapeutic paradigm aimed at targeting clinically significant lesions within the prostate while preserving uninvolved parenchyma, thereby minimizing the morbidity traditionally associated with whole-gland radical treatments. In the coming years, its role is expected to become well established within the oncological treatment algorithm for localized prostate cancer.
Multiple academic centers, both nationally and internationally—including the Department of Urology at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra—have been at the forefront of research and clinical implementation in this field. We believe the time is right to consolidate this growing body of evidence and foster scientific exchange, convening leading experts from around the world. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of our Department of Urology, we are pleased to host this inaugural international meeting exclusively focused on Focal Therapy.
The program will address the historical evolution of the technique, patient selection criteria, oncologic and functional outcomes across different energy modalities, strategies for overcoming institutional and logistical barriers to implementation, its integration with other treatment modalities for prostate cancer, and will feature live surgical demonstrations employing various focal technologies.
The Focal Therapy Society (FTS), currently chaired by our esteemed colleague Professor Rafael Sánchez Salas from McGill University, who is co-organizing the meeting with us, will be represented whith a dedicated session highlighting key insights from their upcoming Annual Congress, to be held in Phoenix, Arizona (USA), just one month prior to our event.
In Spain, the recently formed GETFOCAL group, under the auspices of the Spanish Association of Urology (AEU) and integrated within the Uro-Oncology Working Group, is in the initial stages of development. We hope this meeting will serve as a an opportunity to accelerate its consolidation and growth.
We extend our gratitude to FTS, AEU, and SMU for endorsing this initiative as a scientifically significant event. We are also thankful for the generous support of our sponsors, which will enable the participation of professionals interested in implementing or expanding Focal Therapy programs both nationally and internationally.
Attendance will be limited due to anticipated interest from international colleagues. We encourage early registration. Our sponsors will provide support to facilitate your participation.
Warm regards,
Bernardino Miñana López.
Head of Urology Departament
Clínica Universidad de Navarra
Madrid/Pamplona
Spain