Dr. Eric Walser

His Background

Dr. Eric Walser is recognized as a pioneer in focal ablation of prostate cancer. As a clinician, he is an expert in minimally invasive image-guided treatments for both prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As a researcher, Dr. Walser has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of focal treatment, with published results on over 400 focally treated patients.

As he began college, Dr. Walser didn't envision becoming a doctor. Although anatomy fascinated him, he was a bigger fan of photography and considered a career in photojournalism at the University of Texas in Austin. A summer job at a radiology practice, filing X-rays and making microfilm, started him on the journey to become a radiologist. He quickly realized it was a perfect blend of anatomy and photography.

During his postgraduate residency and fellowship, he found he liked interventional radiology. Having a personable nature, he preferred to interact with patients instead of spending his days in a dark room reading X-rays. He went on to teach and practice this specialty at the university level, where he especially enjoyed working with patients and mentoring young doctors.

In 2005, at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Walser met the physicist who invented the laser that would become central to focal ablation. He encountered a prostate cancer patient who could not have surgery or radiation due to previous treatments. Dr. Walser saw the potential for laser. He successfully ablated the tumor.

Dr. Walser comes to Sperling Prostate Center after serving over 10 years as Professor and Chairman of Radiology at University of Texas. He is a member of numerous professional societies, including the American Board of Radiology, the Radiological Society of North America, the Society of Interventional Radiology, and the Congress of Interventional Radiology of Europe. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Radiology, and a Fellow of the American College of Radiology.

The Patient Relationship

Dr. Walser emphasizes three key factors in the doctor-patient relationship: having genuine conversation, keeping communication lines open, and including the patient's significant other. In his own words: "This journey is not one of meeting them through their cancer, but encountering them as people."

He states: "As someone who has spent many years in leadership and academic institutions, it's time to step away from that and devote that expertise to patients in a community practice."

Areas of Focus

Dr. Walser is committed to improving patient lives through the benefits of focal treatments for prostate cancer and BPH. He was a key developer of MRI-directed Ultrasound Guided Transperineal Focal Laser Ablation (TPLA), which he now uses at the Sperling Prostate Center. He also stays involved with new MRI technologies and the use of AI for prostate diagnosis and precision therapy.