Significant Breakthrough in Prostate Cancer Treatment at UChicago Medicine with Vanquish®

In a groundbreaking event for prostate cancer treatment, Dr. Abhinav Sidana, a urologic oncologist at the University of Chicago Medicine (UChicago Medicine), has successfully performed the first commercial Vanquish® Water Vapor Ablation procedure in the Chicago metropolitan area. This marks a significant advancement for patients in the region who are in search of minimally invasive options for prostate care.

The outpatient procedure took place at the Ingalls Memorial Ambulatory Surgical Center, where Dr. Sidana treated a patient diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. The innovative Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation technique utilizes thermal energy from sterile water vapor to ablate targeted prostate tissue. This method is particularly notable for its ability to respect the natural boundaries of the affected tissue, potentially minimizing the risks to surrounding structures, including important nerve bundles responsible for urinary and sexual functions.

Developed by Francis Medical, based in Minnesota, the Vanquish System is a transurethral device that combines ultrasound and electromagnetic guidance to precisely ablate prostate tissue using thermal water vapor. After obtaining FDA 510(k) clearance in late 2025, this technique has been introduced in Chigaco as part of a broader prostate care pathway, moving beyond previous clinical studies.

Dr. Sidana, who played a pivotal role as a clinical investigator in the VAPOR 2 study—a multicenter trial involving 235 patients with intermediate-risk, localized prostate cancer across 26 U.S. sites—brings valuable experience to this procedure. His participation in the study has uniquely equipped him and UChicago Medicine to offer this technology to local patients.

He expressed his enthusiasm about the procedure's availability, stating, "Having participated in the VAPOR 2 clinical study, I witnessed firsthand the potential of this technology to deliver effective ablation of prostate tissue while preserving the quality of life our patients deserve. Offering this as part of prostate services at UChicago Medicine is an exciting step for patients facing complicated decisions about prostate care."

The favorable results from the VAPOR 2 study bolster the significance of this new technology. Six-month biopsy data from the trial indicated that 91% of the first 110 patients had their targeted MRI-visible intermediate-risk disease eliminated following a single Vanquish procedure, with no reported serious device-related adverse events. Additionally, patient-reported outcomes have shown that most individuals experienced minimal to no pain after the procedure. Notably, at the 12-month mark post-procedure, 93% of patients reported being extremely satisfied or satisfied with their results, and 94% regarded their choice to undergo this treatment as wise.

Mike Kujak, President and CEO of Francis Medical, emphasized the importance of Dr. Sidana’s involvement in bringing this technology to Chicago, stating, "Dr. Sidana's work as a VAPOR 2 investigator exemplifies the kind of clinical partnership that has made the Vanquish system possible. Having a physician of his caliber and expertise offering this technology is a major milestone for both Francis Medical and the men in the community who now have access to a minimally invasive option previously unavailable."

The Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation System has been approved for systematic thermal ablation of targeted prostate tissue via a transurethral approach, though the FDA has not evaluated its effectiveness for treating any disease, including prostate cancer, nor has it assessed the long-term outcomes associated with the Vanquish System.

As part of UChicago Medicine, the institution provides comprehensive care, offering various services from urgent aid to lab tests and specialist consultations for all age groups. Similarly, Francis Medical remains committed to developing effective, minimally invasive treatments for urological cancers, striving to balance potent cancer treatment with patient comfort.

For further information, interested parties can visit Francis Medical's website or contact their representatives directly.