Francis Medical's Vanquish System Debuts in Midwest for Prostate Tissue Ablation
Event summary
- Francis Medical completed its first commercial Vanquish procedure in the Midwest on April 21, 2026, performed by Dr. Aaron Milbank at High Pointe Surgery Center.
- The Vanquish System received FDA 510(k) clearance in November 2025, supported by positive interim data from the ongoing VAPOR 2 study.
- 91% of eligible patients in the VAPOR 2 study showed clearance of MRI-visible clinically significant in-field disease after a single Vanquish procedure.
- The procedure demonstrated low rates of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, addressing key side effects of traditional prostate cancer treatments.
The big picture
Francis Medical's transition from clinical trials to commercial use marks a critical step in validating its water vapor ablation technology. The Midwest debut of the Vanquish System underscores the growing demand for minimally invasive prostate cancer treatments that minimize side effects. The company's focus on preserving patient quality of life aligns with broader industry trends toward personalized and less invasive cancer therapies. Success will hinge on sustained clinical outcomes and broader adoption among urologists.
What we're watching
- Clinical Adoption
- The pace at which Vanquish gains traction among urologists beyond the VAPOR 2 study investigators will determine its market penetration.
- Regulatory Expansion
- Whether Francis Medical can secure pre-market approval (PMA) for an expanded indication based on longer-term outcomes from the VAPOR 2 study.
- Competitive Positioning
- How Vanquish differentiates itself in a landscape where traditional prostate cancer treatments still dominate.
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