Vanquish Steam Therapy: Promising Focal Treatment for Prostate Cancer

The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to the Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation System, a new focal therapy that uses steam to destroy prostate cancer tissue. Developed by Francis Medical, the device delivers water vapor directly into prostate tumors via a transurethral approach, releasing thermal energy that destroys cancer cells while aiming to preserve surrounding tissue.

Approval was based on early results from the VAPOR 2 study, a prospective, single-arm trial involving 235 men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer across 26 U.S. centers. Data from the first 110 patients showed that a single treatment eradicated clinically significant prostate cancer (Gleason Grade Group ≥2) in 91% of men at 6 months, with a reported 70% reduction of cancerous tissue in the targeted area. No device-related serious adverse events were reported, although ongoing erectile dysfunction occurred in 16.4% of patients and Grade 2 urinary leakage in 2.7%.

While patient satisfaction was high, experts caution that follow-up is short and oncologic effectiveness remains unproven. The study has not yet been peer-reviewed, and longer-term data are needed to determine whether the therapy prevents aggressive or lethal prostate cancer. Vanquish joins other focal therapies aiming to balance cancer control with preservation of urinary continence and sexual function, highlighting a growing shift toward less invasive prostate cancer management strategies.

Sandburg, B. (2025, December 8). New device uses steam to kill prostate cancer. Medscape Medical News. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-device-uses-steam-kill-prostate-cancer-2025a1000yeb