Should cryosurgery be considered a therapeutic option in localized prostate cancer?

Cryosurgical ablation of the prostate currently is under investigation as a potential treatment for localized prostate cancer. Results to date indicate that the majority of patients have negative biopsies and a marked reduction in prostate-specific antigen levels following cryotherapy. This treatment, however, is associated with significant side effects, notably bladder outflow obstruction, impotence, and incontinence, and its long-term durability is still unknown.