In a nutshell
This article investigated the safety and effectiveness of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) combined with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPC). The authors concluded that ADT combined with EBRT is a safe and effective treatment option for these patients.
Some background
LAPC is cancer that has spread to the area just outside the prostate. EBRT (a beam of high-energy x-rays to a patient's tumor) and ADT (blocks the effects of hormones and can slow prostate cancer growth) are treatment options for patients with LAPC. Previous studies have shown that EBRT combined with ADT results in better outcomes compared to ADT alone. However, the long-term outcomes of this combination are still under investigation.
Methods & findings
The study involved 263 patients with LAPC. Patients were randomly put into two groups. Group 1 received ADT (leuprorelin) alone for 3 years. Group 2 received ADT and EBRT. Patients were followed up at 7.3 years.
The survival rate without tumor progression at 8 years was 48% in group 2 compared with 7% in group 1. Group 2 were 73% less likely to have cancer progression compared with group 1. Group 2 patients were 52% less likely to die from prostate cancer compared with group 1.
There was no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups (57% in group 1 vs. 65% in group 2). Patients in group 2 were 39% less likely to progress beyond local disease compared to group 1.
The side effects were worse in group 2 but decreased in severity after 6 months. They included flushing, painful urination, diarrhea and increased daytime urinary frequency.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that ADT combined with EBRT is a safe and effective treatment option for locally advanced prostate cancer.
Published By :
BJU international
Date :
Apr 04, 2019
