腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术(附21例报告)

目的探讨腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术的手术技巧和疗效。方法 2005年3月～2008年9月,经腹腔途径行腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术21例(T1a3例,T1b4例,T2a6例,T2b8例),游离膀胱前间隙、盆筋膜,显露前列腺尖部,缝扎阴茎背静脉复合体后离断膀胱颈,游离切除精囊,重建膀胱颈并与尿道吻合。结果 19例手术获得成功,中转开放手术2例,其中阴茎背静脉复合体损伤1例,直肠损伤1例。手术时间155～450min,平均280min;术中出血量170～2500ml,平均470ml。术后病理报告切缘阳性1例。术后尿管留置10～40d,平均14d,无真性尿失禁发生。术后发生漏尿3例,尿道狭窄1例,均治愈。21例随访5～44个月,平均18.5月,PSA0～5.85ng/ml,平均0.23ng/ml,未发现局部复发和远处转移。结论腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术是治疗局限性前列腺癌的安全有效措施。熟练掌握盆腔解剖,预先处理阴茎背静脉复合体,膀胱颈重建和镜下吻合技术是成功实施手术的关键。     

External Beam Radiotherapy Increases the Risk of Bladder Cancer When Compared with Radical Prostatectomy in Patients Affected by Prostate Cancer: A Population-based Analysis

Background

Long-term survival can be achieved in patients affected by localized prostate cancer (PCa) treated with either radical prostatectomy (RP) or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). However, development of a second primary tumor is still poorly investigated.

Inguinal Hernia After Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: Results From a Randomized Setting and a Nonrandomized Setting

Background

Observational data indicate that retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) for prostate cancer (PCa) may induce inguinal hernia (IH) formation. Little is known about the influence of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) on IH risk.

Objective

To compare the incidence of IH after RRP and RALP to that of nonoperated patients with PCa and to a population control.

Design, setting, and participants

We studied two groups. All 376 men included in the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group Study Number 4 constitute study group 1. Patients were randomly assigned RRP or watchful waiting (WW). The 1411 consecutive patients who underwent RRP or RALP at Karolinska University Hospital constitute study group 2. Men without PCa, matched for age and residence to each study group, constitute controls.

Measurements

Postoperative IH incidence was detected through a validated questionnaire. The participation rates were 82.7% and 88.4% for study groups 1 and 2, respectively.

Results and limitations

The Kaplan-Meier cumulative occurrence of IH development after 48 mo in study group 1 was 9.3%, 2.4%, and 0.9% for the RRP, the WW, and the control groups, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the RRP group and the WW and control groups, but not between the last two. In study group 2 the cumulative risk of IH development at 48 mo was 12.2%, 5.8%, and 2.6% for the RRP, the RALP, and the control group, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the RRP group and the RALP and control groups, but not between the last two.

Conclusions

RRP for PCa leads to an increased risk of IH development. RALP may lower the risk as compared to open surgery.     

Costs of Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review

ContextRobot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) has been rapidly adopted as a new approach for radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). The use of new technology may increase costs for RP.ObjectiveTo summarize data on direct costs of various approaches to RP and to discuss the consequences of cost differences.Evidence acquisitionA systematic literature search was performed in March 2012 using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. A complex search strategy was applied. Articles were selected according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Articles reporting on direct costs of RP (open retropubic [RRP], radical perineal [RPP], laparoscopic [LRP], RALP) in men with clinically localized PCa were eligible for study inclusion.Evidence synthesisOf 1218 articles initially screened by title, the multistep, systematic search identified 11 studies presenting direct costs of different approaches to RP. Of the 11 studies, 7 compared the costs of different RP approaches. Minimally invasive RP (MIRP) (ie, LRP or RALP) was more expensive than RRP in most studies, mainly due to increased surgical instrumentation costs. In the comparative studies, costs ranged from (in US dollars) $5058 to $11 806 for MIRP and from $4075 to $6296 for RRP, with RALP having the highest direct costs. In one study applying standardized, health economic-evaluation criteria, RALP was not found to be cost effective. Limitations of this review include significant differences in observational study designs and an absence of prospective comparative studies. Moreover, there are limited post-RP data on the costs of adjuvant treatments and other health care–related expenses after PCa surgery.ConclusionsFew studies compared direct costs of different approaches to RP. The use of new technology, particularly RALP, results in added costs for the procedure. Cost effectiveness of new technologies should be assessed before widespread adoption. To date, in the lone study to evaluate this, RALP was not found to be cost effective from a health care, economic standpoint. However, longer follow-up of patients is required to better evaluate its impact on overall costs and quality of PCa care.     

Long-term Distress After Radical Prostatectomy Versus Watchful Waiting in Prostate Cancer: A Longitudinal Study from the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group-4 Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

Studies enumerating the dynamics of physical and emotional symptoms following prostate cancer (PCa) treatment are needed to guide therapeutic strategy. Yet, overcoming patient selection forces is a formidable challenge for observational studies comparing treatment groups.

Objective

To compare patterns of symptom burden and distress in men with localized PCa randomized to radical prostatectomy (RP) or watchful waiting (WW) and followed up longitudinally.

Design, setting, and participants

The three largest, Swedish, randomization centers for the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group-4 trial conducted a longitudinal study to assess symptoms and distress from several psychological and physical domains by mailed questionnaire every 6 mo for 2 yr and then yearly through 8 yr of follow-up.

Intervention

RP compared with WW.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

A questionnaire was mailed at baseline and then repeatedly during follow-up with questions concerning physical and mental symptoms. Each analysis of quality of life was based on a dichotomization of the outcome (yes vs no) studied in a binomial response, generalized linear mixed model.

Results and limitations

Of 347 randomized men, 272 completed at least five questionnaires during an 8-yr follow-up period. Almost all men reported that PCa negatively influenced daily activities and relationships. Health-related distress, worry, feeling low, and insomnia were consistently reported by approximately 30–40% in both groups. Men in the RP group consistently reported more leakage, impaired erection and libido, and fewer obstructive voiding symptoms. For men in the WW group, distress related to erectile symptoms increased gradually over time. Symptom burden and distress at baseline was predictive of long-term outlook.

Conclusions

Cancer negatively influenced daily activities among almost all men in both treatment groups; health-related distress was common. Trade-offs exist between physiologic symptoms, highlighting the importance of tailored treatment decision-making. Men who are likely to experience profound long-term distress can be identified early in disease management.     

Docetaxel Versus Surveillance After Radical Prostatectomy for High-risk Prostate Cancer: Results from the Prospective Randomised,Open-label Phase 3 Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group 12 Trial

Background

Adjuvant chemotherapy is standard treatment for other solid tumours, but to date has not proven effective in prostate cancer.

腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术

目的总结腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术的经验。方法2004年9月～2005年12月,我科对8例早期局限性前列腺癌行经腹腔腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术,游离前列腺直肠间隙达前列腺尖部,游离膀胱前间隙及耻骨后间隙,缝扎阴茎背深静脉后离断膀胱颈部,重建膀胱颈并与尿道吻合。结果8例腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术均获成功,无一例中转开放手术。手术时间270～420min,平均325min;术中出血量300～1600ml,平均580ml,其中1例由于术中损伤阴茎背深静脉大出血1600ml,需要输血4例。标本切缘阳性1例。术后膀胱尿道吻合口尿漏2例;术后2周拔除导尿管,出现尿失禁2例,1例尿失禁在随访6个月后尿控能力恢复,另1例尿失禁仍存在。8例术后随访10～24个月,平均16个月,排尿均通畅,未出现生化复发现象。结论熟悉前列腺的局部解剖、有良好的腹腔镜器械辅助及熟悉掌握各种腹腔镜下操作技术是开展此手术的关键。     

Long-Term Follow-up of Patients with Prostate Cancer and Nodal Metastases Treated by Pelvic Lymphadenectomy and Radical Prostatectomy: The Positive Impact of Adjuvant Radiotherapy

Background

Recent large, prospective, randomised studies have demonstrated that adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is a safe and effective procedure for preventing disease recurrence in locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients. However, no study has ever tested the role of adjuvant RT in node-positive patients after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Objective

We hypothesised that adjuvant RT with early hormone therapy (HT) might improve long-term outcomes of patients with PCa and nodal metastases treated with RP and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND).

Design, setting, and participants

This retrospective study included 250 consecutive patients with pathologic lymph node invasion. We assessed factors predicting long-term biochemical recurrence (BCR)–free and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in node-positive PCa patients treated with RP, ePLND, and adjuvant treatments between 1988 and 2002 in a tertiary academic centre.

Intervention

All patients received adjuvant treatments according to the treating physician after detailed patient information: 129 patients (51.6%) were treated with a combination of RT and HT, while 121 patients (48.4%) received adjuvant HT alone.

Measurements

BCR-free survival and CSS in patients with node-positive PCa.

Results and limitations

Mean follow-up was 95.9 mo (median: 91.2). BCR-free survival and CSS rates at 5, 8, and 10 yr were 72%, 61%, 53% and 89%, 83%, 80%, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression models, adjuvant RT and the number of positive nodes were independent predictors of BCR-free survival (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively) as well as of CSS (p = 0.009 and p = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, there was significant gain in predictive accuracy when adjuvant RT was included in multivariable models predicting BCR-free survival and CSS (gain: 3.3% and 3%, respectively; all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our data showed excellent long-term outcome for node-positive PCa patients treated with radical surgery plus adjuvant treatments. This study is the first to report a significant protective role for adjuvant RT in BCR-free survival and CSS of node-positive patients.     

Risk-Adjusted Hazard Rates of Biochemical Recurrence for Prostate Cancer Patients after Radical Prostatectomy

Background

Current prostate cancer (PCa) follow-up guidelines do not account for the risk of disease relapse.

Objective

To examine the annual hazard rate (anHR) of biochemical recurrence (BCR) according to risk strata in patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for localised PCa. These rates might be used to devise a risk-adjusted follow-up.

Design, setting, and participants

From January 1992 to December 2005, 2911 patients underwent RP for localised PCa in one institution. This cohort was used to identify three distinct risk groups for BCR. A cohort of 2875 patients operated on in a second institution was used for validation purpose.

Intervention

RP, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests.

Measurements

Cox regression models addressing BCR were used to identify significant predictors and cut-offs for risk group stratification. The anHR for BCR was calculated (number of events divided by number of patients at risk) for each risk group.

Results and limitations

Three risk groups could be identified: (1) low risk (23.7%), defined as PSA <11 ng/ml plus clinical stage T1c plus pathological Gleason <6 plus negative surgical margins plus organ confined tumour; (2) high risk (18.9%), defined as PSA >22 ng/ml or seminal vesicle invasion or pathological Gleason sum >8 or lymph node invasion or clinical stage T3; and (3) intermediate risk (57.4%), defined as all other patients. The anHR for the low-risk groups remained very low throughout follow-up (0–2.6). The anHR in the intermediate-risk group was initially low but remained elevated (1.3–7.2). The anHR for the high-risk group was initially markedly high (up to 32) and remained elevated during follow-up.

Conclusions

Annual hazard rates of BCR differ according to risk strata. These data might be used to devise a risk-adjusted follow-up protocol. Low-risk patients appear to need less frequent follow-up, whereas high-risk patients might need to be followed more frequently, relative to the current recommendations.     

Prediction of Outcome Following Early Salvage Radiotherapy Among Patients with Biochemical Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy

Background

Early salvage radiotherapy (eSRT) represents the only curative option for prostate cancer patients experiencing biochemical recurrence (BCR) for local recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Objective

To develop and internally validate a novel nomogram predicting BCR after eSRT in patients treated with RP.

Design, setting, and participants

Using a multi-institutional cohort, 472 node-negative patients who experienced BCR after RP were identified. All patients received eSRT, defined as local radiation to the prostate and seminal vesicle bed, delivered at prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≤0.5 ng/ml.

Outcome measurement and statistical analysis

BCR after eSRT was defined as two consecutive PSA values ≥0.2 ng/ml. Uni- and multivariable Cox regression models predicting BCR after eSRT were fitted. Regression-based coefficients were used to develop a nomogram predicting the risk of 5-yr BCR after eSRT. The discrimination of the nomogram was quantified with the Harrell concordance index and the calibration plot method. Two hundred bootstrap resamples were used for internal validation.

Results and limitations

Mean follow-up was 58 mo (median: 48 mo). Overall, 5-yr BCR-free survival rate after eSRT was 73.4%. In univariable analyses, pathologic stage, Gleason score, and positive surgical margins were associated with the risk of BCR after eSRT (all p ≤ 0.04). These results were confirmed in multivariable analysis, where all the previously mentioned covariates as well as pre-RT PSA were significantly associated with BCR after eSRT (all p ≤ 0.04). A coefficient-based nomogram demonstrated a bootstrap-corrected discrimination of 0.74. Our study is limited by its retrospective nature and use of BCR as an end point.

Conclusions

eSRT leads to excellent cancer control in patients with BCR for presumed local failure after RP. We developed the first nomogram to predict outcome after eSRT. Our model facilitates risk stratification and patient counselling regarding the use of secondary therapy for individuals experiencing BCR after RP.

Patient summary

Salvage radiotherapy leads to optimal cancer control in patients who experience recurrence after radical prostatectomy. We developed a novel tool to identify the best candidates for salvage treatment and to allow selection of patients to be considered for additional forms of therapy.     

Geographic Variation in Patient Surveillance After Radical Prostatectomy

Background: Prostate cancer is often diagnosed early enough in its clinical course to permit radical prostatectomy to be done with curative intent, yet many patients experience tumor recurrence. Most patients receive postoperative surveillance, but the intensity of testing varies appreciably. We sought to evaluate the influence of geographic location on the variability of surveillance intensity.Methods: Questionnaires pertaining to postoperative surveillance were mailed to 4467 members of the American Urological Association (AUA). Practice pattern variation was assessed among 24 large metropolitan statistical areas, among nine United States census regions, and by health maintenance organization penetration rate.Results: Of 4467 urologists surveyed, 1416 (32%) responded and 1050 (24%) responses were evaluable. Correlation analysis showed that mean follow-up intensity across modalities surveyed was highly correlated across tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stages and years postsurgery. We found no significant main effects attributable to metropolitan statistical area, United States (US) census region, or health maintenance organization (HMO) penetration rate for commonly used surveillance modalities: serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), office visit, and urinalysis. For infrequently used modalities, there were minimal effects on testing intensity of US census region, metropolitan statistical area, and HMO penetration rate. Few two-way and three-way interactions were significant.Conclusions: The utilization of commonly used surveillance modalities by urologists caring for patients after radical prostatectomy is not affected by metropolitan statistical area, US census region, or HMO penetration rate.     

Adjuvant High-Dose Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy after Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: Clinical Results in 104 Patients

Background

Approximately 25% of patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) will develop a biochemical failure within 5 yr after RT when doses of 60–64 Gray (Gy) are used.

Objective

To report on the safety and biochemical outcome of adjuvant intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) with doses >70 Gy.

Design, setting, and participants

Between 1999 and 2008, 104 patients underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) followed by adjuvant IMRT with or without androgen deprivation (AD) with a median follow-up of 36 mo. Indications for adjuvant IMRT were capsule perforation, seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) and/or positive surgical margins at prostatectomy specimen. All patients were irradiated at a single tertiary academic centre. AD was initiated on the basis of SVI, a preprostatectomy prostate-specific antigen level >20 ng/ml, Gleason score ≥4 + 3 (n = 36), or personal preference of the referring urologist (n = 32).

Intervention

A median dose of 74 Gy was prescribed to the planning target volume using IMRT in all patients. AD consisted out of a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone analogue for 6 mo.

Measurements

We report on acute and late toxicity, biochemical relapse–free survival (bRFS), and clinical progression. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate bRFS. Univariate analysis was used to examine the influence of patient- and treatment-related factors on bRFS.

Results and limitations

With respect to acute toxicity, no patients developed grade 3 gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, and eight patients developed grade 3 genitourinary (GU) toxicity (8%). With respect to late toxicity, no patients developed grade 3 GI toxicity, and four patients (4%) developed grade 3 GU toxicity. A urethral stricture was observed in six patients (6%). The 3- and 5-yr actuarial bRFS was 93%. On univariate analysis, bRFS rates were worse when SVI (p < 0.02), Gleason score ≥4 + 3 (p < 0.02), or negative surgical margins (p < 0.02) were present. AD did not influence bRFS. Six patients had a clinical relapse.

Conclusions

Adjuvant high-dose IMRT after prostatectomy is safe and bRFS is excellent.     

腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术36例报告

目的探讨腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术(laparoscopic radical prostatectomy,LRP)的可行性和手术技巧。方法2005年3月～2008年12月,行LRP36例。平均年龄64岁(51～73岁),术前病理检查均证实为前列腺癌。T111例,T225例。21例参照Montsouris方法行经腹腔途径LRP,15例行经腹膜外途径LRP。结果平均手术时间265min(155～480min),平均出血量455ml(170～2500ml)。中转开放手术3例,其中2例为阴茎背静脉复合体出血,1例为直肠损伤。术后病理报告切缘阳性2例。术后尿管留置10～30d,平均14d,无真性尿失禁发生。术后漏尿6例,尿道狭窄2例。术后平均随访15.5月(2～44个月),穿刺孔皮下种植转移1例,余35例无复发转移。术后1个月前列腺特异抗原(PSA)0～5.85ng/ml。结论LRP治疗局限性前列腺癌安全有效。熟练掌握盆腔解剖,预先处理阴茎背静脉复合体,熟练掌握膀胱颈重建和镜下吻合技术是成功完成手术的关键。     

腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术(附11例报告)

目的探讨腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术的应用价值。方法4例采用经腹腔途经,7例采用经腹膜外途经,手术切除前列腺、精囊、输精管壶腹,行膀胱尿道吻合。结果11例手术均获得成功,手术时间180~390min,平均304min。术中出血量300~1200ml,平均520ml。术后留置尿管时间12~28d,平均19.8d。无直肠损伤等并发症。术后住院时间12~24d,平均20d,无尿失禁及尿道狭窄。11例随访1~36个月,平均11个月,未发现肿瘤局部复发和远处转移,术后3个月前列腺特异抗原0~0.05μg/L。结论腹腔镜前列腺癌根治术是一种安全、有效的治疗方法。     

Intraoperative Management of Robotic-Assisted Versus Open Radical Prostatectomy

Background and Objectives:

Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to decrease postoperative morbidity and length of stay for several laparoscopic procedures. We sought to retrospectively compare intraoperative surgical and anesthetic parameters, post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) length of stay, and hospital length of stay of patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RAP) versus open radical retropubic prostatectomy (ORP).

Methods:

A retrospective investigation was performed using a urologic surgery database and an anesthesia electronic medical record. We queried information regarding 106 ORP patients from 2002 through 2007 and 575 RAP patients from 2007 through 2008.

Results:

Patients in the RAP group compared with ORP patients had reductions in surgical time, anesthesia time, estimated blood loss, crystalloid administration, and PACU and hospital length of stays. Compared with ORP procedures, intraoperative respiratory rates, peak inspiratory pressures, and arterial pressures in RAP procedures were higher; tidal volumes and heart rates were decreased; but end-tidal carbon dioxide concentrations were not different. In the RAP group, intraoperative complications included severe bradycardia, corneal abrasions, and 2 patients required reintubation. Surgically, no rectal perforations were noted, and no operative mortalities occurred.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate the safety and efficacy of RAP due to a combination of surgical and anesthetic factors.     

Multi-institutional Validation of the CAPRA-S Score to Predict Disease Recurrence and Mortality After Radical Prostatectomy

Background

The University of California, San Francisco, Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment Postsurgical (CAPRA-S) score uses pathologic data from radical prostatectomy (RP) to predict prostate cancer recurrence and mortality. However, this clinical tool has never been validated externally.

Objective

To validate CAPRA-S in a large, multi-institutional, external database.

Design, setting, and participants

The Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database consists of 2892 men who underwent RP from 2001 to 2011. With a median follow-up of 58 mo, 2670 men (92%) had complete data to calculate a CAPRA-S score.

Intervention

RP.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The main outcome was biochemical recurrence. Performance of CAPRA-S in detecting recurrence was assessed and compared with a validated postoperative nomogram by concordance index (c-index), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis. Prediction of cancer-specific mortality was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the c-index.

Results and limitations

The mean age was 62 yr (standard deviation: 6.3), and 34.3% of men had recurrence. The 5-yr progression-free probability for those patients with a CAPRA-S score of 0–2, 3–5, and 6–10 (defining low, intermediate, and high risk) was 72%, 39%, and 17%, respectively. The CAPRA-S c-index was 0.73 in this validation set, compared with a c-index of 0.72 for the Stephenson nomogram. Although CAPRA-S was optimistic in predicting the likelihood of being free of recurrence at 5 yr, it outperformed the Stephenson nomogram on both calibration plots and decision curve analysis. The c-index for predicting cancer-specific mortality was 0.85, with the caveat that this number is based on only 61 events.

Conclusions

In this external validation, the CAPRA-S score predicted recurrence and mortality after RP with a c-index >0.70. The score is an effective prognostic tool that may aid in determining the need for adjuvant therapy.     

Prostate Cancer Biochemical Recurrence Rates After Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Background and Objectives:

To determine prostate cancer biochemical recurrence rates with respect to surgical margin (SM) status for patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP).

Methods:

IRB-approved radical prostatectomy database was queried. Patients were stratified as low, intermediate, and high risk according to D’Amico''s risk classification. Postoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values were obtained every 3 mo for the first year, then biannually and annually thereafter. Biochemical recurrence was defined as ≥0.2ng/mL. Patients receiving adjuvant or salvage treatment were included. Positive surgical margin was defined as presence of cancer cells at inked resection margin in the final specimen. Margin presence (negative/positive), margin multiplicity (single/multiple), and margin length (≤3mm focal and >3mm extensive) were noted. Kaplan-Meier curves of biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) as a function of SM were generated. Forward stepwise multivariate Cox regression was performed, with preoperative PSA, Gleason score, pathologic stage, prostate gland weight, and SM as covariates.

Results:

At our institution, 1437 patients underwent RALP (2003-2009). Of these, 1159 had sufficient data and were included in our analysis. Mean follow-up was 16 mo. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated significant increase in BRFS in low-risk and intermediate-risk groups with negative SM. Overall BRFS at 5 y was 72%. Gleason score, pathologic stage, and SM status were significant prognostic factors in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:

Negative surgical margins resulted in lower biochemical recurrence rates for low-risk and intermediate-risk groups. Multifocal and longer positive margins were associated with higher biochemical recurrence rates compared with unifocal and shorter positive margins. Documenting biochemical recurrence rates for RALP is important, because this treatment for localized prostate cancer is validated.     

Impact of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy on Urinary Continence Recovery After Radical Prostatectomy

Background

Little is known about the impact of adjuvant radiation therapy (aRT) after radical prostatectomy (RP) on urinary continence (UC).

Objective

To evaluate the impact of aRT on UC recovery in patients with unfavourable pathologic characteristics.

Design, setting, and participants

The study included 361 patients with either pT2 with positive surgical margin(s) or pT3a/pT3b node-negative disease treated with RP at a tertiary care referral centre.

Intervention

Patients were stratified according to the administration of aRT into two groups: group 1 (no aRT; n = 208; 57.8%) and group 2 (aRT; n = 153; 42.2%).

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Continence was defined as no use of protective pads. Log-rank test was used to compare the rate of UC recovery according to aRT status. The association between aRT and UC was also tested in Cox regression models after accounting for age, Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score, nerve-sparing (NS) status, Charlson Comorbidity Index, body mass index, and year of surgery.

Results and limitations

At a mean follow-up of 30 mo, 254 patients (70.4%) recovered complete UC. The 1- and 3-yr UC recovery was 51% and 59% for patients submitted to aRT versus 81% and 87% for patients not receiving aRT, respectively (p < 0.001). At univariable analysis, older age (p < 0.001), presence of non–organ-confined disease (p < 0.001), non-NS procedure (p < 0.001), and delivery of aRT (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower UC. At multivariable analysis, the delivery of aRT remained an independent predictor of worse UC recovery (hazard ratio: 0.57; p = 0.001). Patients treated with aRT had a 1.6-fold higher risk of incontinence. Younger age (p = 0.02), lower CAPRA score (p = 0.03), and NS approach (p < 0.001) also represented independent predictors of UC recovery. The main limitations of the study are related to the lack of validated questionnaires in the evaluation of UC and in the lack of information regarding UC status at aRT.

Conclusions

The delivery of aRT has a detrimental effect on UC. The oncologic benefits must be balanced with an impaired UC recovery. Patients should be informed of such impairment before adjuvant treatments are planned.