A major study has found that focal therapy for prostate cancer may be as effective as surgery while greatly reducing the risk of side effects. The treatment targets tumors with high precision rather than removing or treating the entire prostate, making it a less invasive option for some men.

The approach has drawn attention because public figures including Jeremy Clarkson and former prime minister David Cameron have reportedly undergone the therapy. Its growing profile is likely to increase interest among patients looking for treatments that control cancer while preserving quality of life.

According to the study highlighted in the report, focal therapy carries about a fifth of the side-effect risk linked to surgery. That finding could be significant in prostate cancer care, where concerns about treatment-related complications often play a major role in decision-making.

While focal therapy may not be suitable for every patient, the latest evidence points to an important shift in how some prostate tumors can be treated. The results suggest doctors may have a stronger case for offering a targeted alternative to surgery in carefully selected cases.