In a nutshell
This examined survival rates of radical prostatectomy compared with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) among patients with localized (confined) prostate cancer.
Some background
Radical prostatectomy or RP (surgical removal of the prostate gland and some healthy tissue around it) and radiotherapy are the most common treatments with curative intent for patients with prostate cancer. IMRT is a type of radiotherapy that uses advanced technology to plan a precise dose of radiation based on tumor size, shape and location. A computer-generated device then delivers hundreds of tiny beams of radiation that match the exact shape and size of the tumor, thus minimizing the damage to the healthy surrounding tissue. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients with prostate cancer treated with wither RP or IMRT.
Methods & findings
1200 patients with localized prostate cancer were included in the present study. A population of 993 patients underwent RP and 207 patients that were poor surgery candidates (had more concurrent conditions) received IMRT. Patients were followed up for an average of 7 years through PSA (a protein found made by the prostate gland whose levels rise in prostate cancer) testing and digital rectal exams (DRE). The main parameters evaluated were overall survival or OS (the percentage of patients who survived for a defined period of time) and biochemical disease-free survival or BDFS (the percentage of patients who survived without developing increased PSA levels after treatment to show return of the cancer).
Results showed that the 5 and 7-years OS rates were 96.2% and 93.7%, respectively, in patients treated with RP, while in the IMRT group these rates were 88.4% and 83.1%. However, BDFS was higher in the IMRT group (86.4%) compared to the RP group (74.3%).
The bottom line
In summary, while patients treated with RP showed better prognosis and higher OS compared to patients treated with IMRT, IMRT patients had a better BDFS.
The fine print
Patients in the IMRT group were older and had other concurrent conditions that may have influenced their outcomes. Also, the group of patients receiving RP therapy was much greater in number than the IMRT group, which could have favored the results towards the RP group.
What’s next?
Discuss with your physician what is the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
Published By :
BMC cancer
Date :
Nov 08, 2013
