In a nutshell
This study compared the effect of radiation therapy versus radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate gland and some healthy tissue around it) on survival rates in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) who had metastasis (cancer spread to distant organs and tissues of the body) after treatment.
Some background
Radiation therapy (RT) and radical prostatectomy (RP) are the two major (primary) treatments for localized (confined) PCa. However, after these primary treatments, the cancer may return or spread to other parts of the body. This is referred to as metastasis. Metastatic cancer is more aggressive in growth and leads to higher mortality rates. This study compared patient survival rates for RT and RP PCa metastasis.
Methods & findings
The study included a total of 916 patients who were diagnosed with metastatic PCa after primary treatments. These patients were separated into two groups: 342 patients were classified as a low-risk group and 574 patients as an intermediate or high-risk group. PCa–specific survival or PCSS (defined as the percentage of patients who have survived prostate cancer a certain time after treatment) was the main parameter evaluated.
Results showed that patients in the low-risk group who were treated with RP had a PCSS of 86.2%, while those treated with RT had a PCSS of 79.3%. Patients in the intermediate or high-risk group who were treated with RP had a PCSS of 76.3%, while those treated with RT had a PCSS of 63.3%.
The bottom line
In summary, this study found that patients with metastatic PCa following primary treatment with RP had longer survival than patients treated primarily with RT.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the most appropriate treatment option for your situation.
Published By :
European Urology
Date :
Jun 12, 2013
