超声引导下经会阴冷冻治疗局限性前列腺癌

目的 总结超声引导下经会阴冷冻治疗局限性前列腺癌的安全性和近期疗效. 方法 伴严重并发症不能接受根治性手术或拒绝开放手术、预期寿命<10年、前列腺体积≤40 ml的局限性前列腺癌患者26例.经直肠B超引导下前列腺穿刺活检,证实为前列腺癌,Gleason评分2～4分6例、5～7分20例.血清PSA平均11.9(4.7～19.2)ng/ml.临床分期T_(1a～b)N_0 M_0 1例、T_(1c)N_0 M_0 10例、T_(2a) N_0 M_0 7例、T(2b) N_0 M_0 4例、T_(2c)N_0 M_0 4例.均行超声引导下经会阴冷冻治疗,采用氩氦靶向双冷冻技术.观察其即刻和迟发并发症发生情况.术后2年内每3个月,以后每6个月复查PSA 1次.PSA截止值≥0.5 ng/ml认为治疗失败.患者术后6个月均建议行前列腺穿刺活检.结果 26例平均手术时间(102±32)min,均未输血.术后平均住院(6±2)d.拔除尿管后,控尿满意22例;4例尿失禁3～7 d后恢复控尿;原有性功能者9例,术后出现勃起功能障碍5例;未发生尿潴留和尿道直肠瘘.26例随访平均22(6～30)个月,PSA<0.5 ng/ml 23例,PSA≥0.5 ng/ml 3例;术后6个月前列腺穿刺活检20例,均为阴性. 结论 超声引导下经会阴冷冻治疗局限性前列腺癌安全有效,远期疗效尚需进一步观察后明确.     

徒手TRUS引导下经会阴前列腺活检的临床应用探讨

目的:探讨徒手"12+X"法TRUS引导下经会阴前列腺活检术诊断前列腺癌的临床应用价值。方法:2014年12月~2015年12月,对74例可疑前列腺癌患者行经直肠B超引导下18G自动穿刺活检针行双侧外周带12点法系统穿刺,其中直肠指诊(DRE)触及结节24例,超声提示异常回声14例,前列腺核磁提示异常信号30例;前列腺特异性抗原(PSA)<4ng/ml者14例,PSA 4~10ng/ml 25例,PSA>10ng/ml者35例。同时对每个可疑病灶进行1~2针靶向穿刺。回顾性分析穿刺的阳性率和并发症。结果:成功对74例患者进行徒手"12+X"法TRUS引导下经会阴前列腺活检术。年龄43~81岁,中位年龄72岁;PSA 1.9~500ng/ml,中位PSA17.8ng/ml。经病理诊断,前列腺癌23例,阳性率31.1%,穿刺阴性病例中3例TURP术后病理诊断结果为前列腺癌;2例首次穿刺阴性,6个月后重复穿刺时发现前列腺癌。低危前列腺癌(Gleason≤6分)、中危前列腺癌(Gleason=7分)和高危前列腺癌(Gleason≥8分)分别为13.1%、30.4%和56.5%。其余51例为良性前列腺增生或合并前列腺炎症。术后短暂和轻度的肉眼血尿6例(8.1%),均在1~3d后缓解,5例(6.8%)轻度发热,2例(2.7%)会阴部轻度不适。无脓毒症、急性尿潴留等严重并发症的发生。结论:徒手"12+X"法TRUS引导下经会阴前列腺活检安全可行,阳性率稳定,值得在临床上进一步推广。     

超声导向经会阴穿刺冷冻治疗中晚期前列腺癌(附20例报告)

目的：探讨冷冻治疗中晚期前列腺癌的有效性和安全性。方法：在B超引导下,对20例中晚期前列腺癌患者经会阴穿刺液氮冷冻前列腺肿瘤组织,检测冷冻前后PSA,穿刺病理活检以及前列腺和肿瘤体积的影像学变化。结果：20例随访2－48个月,PSA术前平均39．2ng/ml（16．1－98．2ng/ml),术后3、6、9、12、24、48个月分别为4．2、3．8、3．5、3．6、3．0、3．1ng/ml。肛诊、B超、CT及MRI示前列腺体积缩小并基本保持稳定,术后3个月瘤体基本消失,仅有少量瘢痕组织。前列腺前体积由术前平均64．2ml降至25．5ml,术后6个月行前列腺多点穿刺活检,仅1例阳性。全组均未出现冷冻并发症。结论超声导向经会阴穿刺冷冻治疗中晚期前列腺癌是一种安全有效的方法。     

超声造影结合直肠B超在经会阴前列腺穿刺活检中的应用（附87例报告）

目的：探讨微泡造影剂结合经直肠多普勒超声（contrastenhancedtransrectualultrasound,CE-TRUS）在经会阴前列腺穿刺活检中的临床意义。方法：对87例前列腺疾病患者在CE-TRUS后行经直肠B超引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检,穿刺标准依据2007年新修订的《中国泌尿外科疾病诊断治疗指南》确定．先行彩色多普勒超声检查。了解并记录前列腺局灶性病变部位、大小、数目、回声特征及彩色多普勒血流等情况。结果：87倒确诊为前列腺癌和前列腺增生者分别为52例和35例,两者比较差异无统计学意义（P=0．617）。而以PSA≤20ng／ml和PSA〉20ng／ml为标准行分层分析,发现PSA≤20ng／ml者在CE-TRUS引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺阳性率高（P=0．041）。结论：CE-TRUS后经直肠B超引导下行经会阴前列腺穿刺活检是诊断前列腺癌的重要方法;PSA≤20ng／ml者结合CDTRUS行前列腺穿刺活检能提高前列腺癌穿刺阳性率。     

超声造影检查在经会阴前列腺穿刺活检中的应用价值

目的 探讨超声造影检查在经直肠超声引导下(CE-TRUS)经会阴前列腺穿刺活检中的临床应用价值.方法 病例选择标准:①直肠指检异常;②PSA>10 ng/ml;③PSA 4～10 ng/ml,f/t PSA异常或PSAD值异常,符合以上之一者即入围此研究.共116例入选者,年龄50～84岁,既往均无前列腺手术病史.行6点系统加异常回声处活检,其中PSA＜10ng/ml者25例,10 ng/ml～者25例,20 ng/ml～者11例,>30 ng/ml者55例.行CF-TRUS经会阴前列腺穿刺活检,彩色多普勒超声检查并记录前列腺局灶性病变部位、回声特征及彩色多普勒血流等情况,其中43例行前列腺超声造影,了解并记录异常血流部位.结果 116例患者穿刺活检证实前列腺癌64例,BPH 52例.43例行超声造影检查后活检者,前列腺癌和BPH分别为25及18例,造影组和非造影组前列腺癌穿刺阳性率比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.622).PSA≤30ng/ml组共61例,其中行超声造影23例,发现前列腺癌8例,未造影组38例中发现前列腺癌5例,造影组穿刺阳性率高于非造影组,2组比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.046);PSA>30 ng/ml患者造影和非造影穿刺阳性率(97.1%与85.0%)比较差异无统计学意义(P=0.095). 结论与B超引导下经直肠前列腺活检相比,CE-TRUS经会阴前列腺穿刺活检并发症少而轻.PSA≤30ng/ml患者结合超声造影检查能提高前列腺癌穿刺阳性率.     

经会阴前列腺癌根治术28例报告

目的 探讨经会阴前列腺癌根治术在早期局限性前列腺癌治疗中的应用价值。方法 总结28例临床分期T1a～T2b前列腺癌患者经会阴前列腺癌根治术临床资料。经直肠B超引导下前列腺穿刺活检，证实为前列腺腺癌，Gleason评分2～4分13例，5～7分15例。血清PSA2．3～16．6ng／ml，平均9．2ng／ml。术前CT或MRI检查确定前列腺癌局限于前列腺包膜内，胸部、脊椎与骨盆X线平片、ECT均未发现远处转移灶。临床分期T1a～Tb3例，T1a5例，T213例，T2b7例。结合血清PSA、临床分期和GMason评分预测临床早期前列腺癌的病理分期均在T2内，28例均行经会阴前列腺癌根治术，未行盆腔淋巴结切除。结果 术后保留导尿5d，拔除导尿管后，23例患者控尿良好，4例患者有3～7d短暂的尿失禁。发生尿道直肠瘘1例，术后2个月瘘道自行愈合。术后病理：肿瘤局限于前列腺包膜内27例，有单侧包膜外浸润（T3a）1例。28例术后随访6～30个月。术后3个月PSA〈0．04ng／ml24例，1例〈0．01ng／ml，2例未检测到PSA。1例切缘阳性（T3a）、术后PSA持续升高者，行双侧睾丸切除。术后6个月20例同时复查胸部X线片和全身骨扫描，未发现远处转移病灶。结论 经会阴前列腺癌根治术治疗早期局限性前列腺癌在肿瘤控制和排尿控制方面有突出优势，结合PSA、临床分期和Gleason评分选择的病例，不需行盆腔淋巴结切除。     

超声引导系统活检筛查前列腺癌的临床意义

目的 探讨B超引导下前列腺穿刺筛查前列腺癌的临床意义。方法 采用6针系统活检加结节处2－4针活检,197例前列腺特异抗原（PSA）＞4ng/ml或有前列腺结节的患者行 超声引导下前列腺穿刺活检,对4例PSA持续升高者行重复穿刺。结果 有结节者107例中发现前列腺癌34例（31.8%),90例无结节者中发现前列腺癌11例（12.2％）。分析显示：PSA越高,穿刺活检阳性率越高。重复穿刺者4例中发现前列腺癌1例。结论 对有前列腺结节或PSA＞4ng/ml的前列腺增生患者应行系统活检以筛查前列腺癌,穿刺阴性后如PSA持续 增高则应重复穿刺。     

福州市PSA异常的老年男性前列腺疾病跟踪调查与分析

目的 了解老年男性前列腺疾病的发病情况探讨前列腺特异性抗原(PSA)在前列腺癌诊断中的价值.方法 对1234名老年男性进行前列腺指检(DRE)和PSA测定,然后对其中PSA＞4.0ng/mL者进行了随访复查,检查项目包括PSA和经亢肠前列腺超声,并建议行前列腺穿刺活检.结果 1234例调查者中,PSA＞4.0ng/ml者146例,其中126例得到随访,并接受了经亢肠超卢引导F"10点法"前列腺穿刺活检,其中101例前列腺增生患者中,PSA为(8.4±14.2)ng/ml,而25例前列腺癌患者中,PSA明显增高,为(29.3±17.5)ng/ml,两组相比筹异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);101例前列腺增生患者中,所测PV值为(32.61±16.19)ml,而25例前列腺癌患者所测PV值为(36.13±12.73)ml,两者相比差异无明显统计学意义(P＞0.05).比较不同PSA浓度与前列腺癌发牛率的关系,PSA＞10ng/ml时其前列腺癌的发生率显著高于4ng/ml＜PSA＜10nglml组.前列腺癌组PSA值显著高于前列腺增生组,两组前列腺体积相比差异无统计学意义.结论 PSA是诊断前列腺癌的重要瘤标,前列腺"10点法"穿刺活检是诊断前列腺癌的有效方法.对PSA＞4.0ng/ml的患者应密切随访复查,并建议行经直肠前列腺穿刺活检.对PSA高于10ng/ml时应高度警惕前列腺癌的发生.     

12+X法超声引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检术35例报告

目的:进一步验证12+X法超声引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检术的应用价值及其安全性。方法:于2012年1月~2014年4月期间对35例可疑前列腺癌患者行12+X法超声引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检术。结果:确诊为前列腺癌患者18例(阳性率51.4%),其中PSA10μg/L组、PSA10~20μg/L组、PSA20~100μg/L组、PSA100μg/L组穿刺阳性率分别为20%、28.6%、70%、87.5%。前列腺体积小于25ml组前列腺癌阳性率为75%;大于50ml组阳性率为42.1%。并发症包括血管迷走神经反射1例(2.86%),血尿11例(31.4%),尿潴留5例(14.3%),无直肠出血、泌尿系感染及发热等。结论:12+X法超声引导下经会阴前列腺穿刺活检术是一种安全有效、简单易行的前列腺癌确诊方法,值得在临床上使用。     

经直肠超声引导下“6+X”点法前列腺穿刺活检术在PSA值＞20ng/ml患者前列腺癌诊断中的价值

目的 探讨经直肠超声引导下“6+X”前列腺穿刺活检术在PSA值＞20ng/ml之间患者前列腺癌诊断中的价值.方法 回顾性分析57例血清PSA值＞20ng/ml之间疑似前列腺癌患者临床资料,所有患者均行经直肠超声引导下前列腺穿刺术活检.结果 前列腺癌54例,急性前列腺炎3例.结论 经直肠超声引导下“6+X”前列腺穿刺活检是诊断PSA值＞20ng/ml之间患者前列腺癌的一种安全有效的检查方法.     

Control of prostate cancer by transrectal HIFU in 227 patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of localized prostate cancer with reference to disease-related prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with T1-2 localized prostate cancers, prostate specific antigen (PSA) 1 ng/ml with three consecutive rises. RESULTS: The study included 227 patients. Mean follow-up was 27+/-20 months (12-121 months). Eighty-six percent had negative control biopsies. Median nadir PSA was 0.10 ng/ml. The actuarial 5-year disease-free survival rate (DFSR), combining pathologic and biochemical outcomes, was 66%. DFSR showed a significant decrease when stratified according to initial PSA level: 90% with PSA 相似文献   

Cryoablation for clinically localized prostate cancer using an argon-based system: complication rates and biochemical recurrence

OBJECTIVE: To determine the complication rates and biochemical recurrence after cryoablation of the prostate, using an argon gas-based system, in patients with localized prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 1997 and June 1999, 35 patients underwent cryoablation of the prostate (19 after radiation therapy failure and 16 as a primary treatment for localized prostate cancer). All patients had biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer with no seminal vesicle invasion, negative bone scans and a negative lymph node dissection. Patients received 3 months of combined hormonal therapy before cryosurgery. One surgeon performed all the procedures. Biochemical recurrence was defined by an increase in prostate specific antigen (PSA) of >/= 0.2 ng/mL above the PSA nadir. RESULTS: The complications were rectal pain (26%), urinary infection (3%), scrotal oedema (12%), haematuria (6%) and incontinence (6%). Complication rates were higher in those patients who failed after radiation therapy than in those who did not receive radiation (incontinence 11% vs 0%, rectal pain 37% vs 12%) but the difference was not statistically significant. Twenty-two patients (63%) had an undetectable serum PSA nadir (< 0.1 ng/mL) after cryotherapy and 30 (84%) patients had a PSA value of < 1.0 ng/mL. After a mean follow-up of 8.3 months (range 0.2-18), nine patients had biochemical recurrence. The biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) was 70% at 9 months. Patients who had an undetectable PSA nadir had a statistically higher BRSF at 9 months than did patients who had a detectable PSA nadir (89% vs 55%, respectively, P = 0.03). Similarly, patients with a preoperative serum PSA level of < 10 ng/mL had a statistically higher BRFS than patients who had a PSA level of > 10 ng/mL (86% vs 42% at 9 months, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A PSA level before cryotherapy of < 10 ng/mL and an undetectable PSA nadir after cryotherapy were associated with the highest BRFS. Cryoablation of the prostate, with low morbidity, seems to be a viable option in managing patients by salvage therapy after radiation therapy and for the primary treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer.     

Failing to achieve a nadir prostate-specific antigen after combined androgen blockade: Predictive factors

Objectives:   To determine the optimal cut-off of a nadir prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prediction of progression within 24 months after combined androgen blockade (CAB) and to analyze predictive factors of failing to achieve the nadir PSA.
Methods:   We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 343 patients with prostate cancer treated with CAB from 2000 to 2005. We determined the nadir PSA level that predicts progression to hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) at 24 months after CAB. Predictive factors for failing to achieve a determined nadir PSA were analyzed.
Results:   Mean age was 74.0 years. Mean follow up was 42.1 month. Seventy-seven patients experienced progression to HRPC. A nadir PSA of 1.0 ng/mL predicts progression to HRPC at 24 months. Predictive factors for failing to achieve a nadir PSA of 1.0 ng/mL or less include pretreatment PSA, percentage positive biopsy core, Gleason score, serum hemoglobin, stage, and extent of bone metastasis in univariate analysis. Pretreatment PSA (>50 ng/mL) and serum hemoglobin (<12 g/dL) were significant factors to predict failing to achieve a nadir PSA of 1.0 ng/mL or less in logistic regression analysis.
Conclusions:   A nadir PSA of 1.0 ng/mL can predict progression to HRPC after CAB. Pretreatment PSA and serum hemoglobin are significant predictors of failing to achieve a nadir PSA of 1.0 ng/mL or less.     

Single center experience with third-generation cryosurgery for management of organ-confined prostate cancer: critical evaluation of short-term outcomes, complications, and patient quality of life

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Technical refinements such as improved ultrasonographic localization and the routine use of urethral warmers and small-gauge needle delivery systems have renewed interest in cryosurgical treatment as a minimally invasive option for selected patients with localized prostate cancer. Only three reports of quality of life (QoL) in prostate cryoablation exist, and none report on patients treated with third-generation cryoablative technology. We critically examine our initial series of consecutive patients at a single institution undergoing primary third-generation cryosurgical treatment of localized prostate cancer with respect to treatment outcome, morbidity profile, and QoL parameters. To our knowledge, this is the first QoL report on third-generation cryoablation of the prostate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively review the records of 89 consecutive patients with median followup of 11 months (1-32) who have undergone third-generation cryosurgical ablation of the prostate as primary treatment for localized prostate cancer with intention to cure. Patients were risk stratified according to preprocedural parameters of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), clinical stage, and Gleason score. PSA trends were recorded and treatment effectiveness was observed using different definitions of biochemical failure. Charts were reviewed for postprocedure complications. Quality of life was measured prospectively using the University of California, Los Angeles, Prostate Cancer Index as well as American Urological Association symptom scores. We compare a percent of baseline score (%BS) for various domains between our series of patients treated with primary cryoablation with a series of patients undergoing brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer. RESULTS: Treatment success was defined by achievement of a PSA nadir of < or =0.1 ng/mL and by biochemical disease-free survival (BDFS) assessed with both a PSA threshold of < or =0.4 ng/dL over time and the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) definition of three consecutive rises in PSA. According to risk stratification, 86%, 81.5%, and 78% of low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively, achieved a PSA nadir of < or =0.1 ng/mL. Overall, at 12 months follow-up, 94% of patients achieved BDFS using ASTRO criteria while 70% achieved BDFS using a PSA threshold of < or =0.4 ng/mL. With risk stratification, 74%, 70%, and 60% of low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively, achieved BDFS defined by PSA threshold of < or =0.4 ng/mL. Complications were rare. The response rate for Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) questionnaires was 71% for cryoablation patients and 51% for brachytherapy patients. At 12 months follow-up, patients undergoing cryoablation on average achieved urinary and bowel domain scores comparable to baseline, but sexual domains remained well below baseline. When compared with a brachytherapy series with better baseline sexual function (P = 0.04) and urinary function (P = 0.03), cryotherapy patients experienced more negative impact on sexual function steadily for up to 12 months (P = 0.02). Urinary function was similar between the groups until 18 months, at which time cryoablation patients fared better (P = 0.01); this was sustained up to 24 months (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment success with cryosurgery varies with definition; however, our results are comparable to other series with regard to short-term cancer control. Complication rates in this series of third-generation cryosurgical patients are low. QoL characteristics of third-generation cryoablation are similar to those described in second-generation cryoablation series. Compared with brachytherapy, cryotherapy results in less irritative and obstructive voiding symptoms in the early post-treatment period and may improve urinary function up to 24 months after treatment. In a small group of older patients with baseline erectile dysfunction undergoing cryoablation, sexual function returns to 20% of its baseline value with up to 12 months follow-up.     

Is seminal vesicle ablation mandatory for all patients undergoing radical prostatectomy? A multivariate analysis on 1283 patients

OBJECTIVE: With a shift in prostate cancer stage and a majority of patients operated nowadays with PSA levels <10 ng/ml, rates of seminal vesicle (SV) invasion found on radical prostatectomy specimens have decreased as compared to historical data. Since SV-sparing surgery may possibly have an influence on post-operative erectile dysfunction and urinary recovery, we tried to determine which patients could be safely spared SV excision during radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used preoperative data from 1283 patients operated by radical retropubic prostatectomy--777 with serum PSA <10.0 ng/ml--to predict SV invasion on final pathological examination. Variables analyzed included age, digital rectal examination, serum PSA, biopsy Gleason score and percentage of biopsy cores invaded by prostate cancer. Statistical analysis included univariate, multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Out of 1283 patients, 137 (10.6%) had SV involvement, 41/777 (5.2%) with PSA <10.0 ng/ml, 16.1% in the 10-20 ng/ml range and 26.2% when PSA was >20 ng/ml. Percentage of biopsies affected by prostate cancer and biopsy Gleason score were significant predictors of SV invasion in multivariate analysis, both in the entire population and in the subset of patients with PSA <10.0 ng/ml (p < 0.0001). Probability graphs created for patients with PSA <10 ng/ml indicate a risk of seminal invasion <5% when Gleason score on biopsy is <7 or when the percentage of biopsies affected by cancer is <50%. CONCLUSIONS: Resection of SV might not be "oncologically" necessary in all patients undergoing RP when PSA levels are below 10 ng/ml except when biopsy Gleason score is > or =7 or when more than 50% of prostate biopsy cores show cancer involvement. SV-sparing surgery could be prospectively compared to standard retropubic prostatectomy in selected individuals analyzing potential benefits on erectile function and urinary continence.     

High-intensity focused ultrasound therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer

The efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) used for the treatment of localized prostate cancers has been demonstrated over the past decade. We present our early results after HIFU used as a single session in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. A total of 58 patients were treated using the Ablatherm HIFU device with or without transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). HIFU failure was defined as the presence of a cancer remnant on repeated biopsies or three consecutive increases in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >/=1.0 ng/ml. The mean follow-up was 14 months (range, 6-21 months). After HIFU treatment, 78% of patients had a decreased PSA level to <0.5 ng/ml within 3 months. The median value of the last PSA was 0.6 ng/ml and the median nadir PSA was 0.2 ng/ml. The success rates of HIFU were 85, 77 and 47% in low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups, respectively. The HIFU failure rate was closely associated with clinical stage, presence of cancer on TURP chips and nadir PSA on univariate analysis. However, the only significant predictor for HIFU failure was the nadir PSA value by multivariate Cox regression analysis. The operation-related complications were minimal. Although both the period and number of patients were limited to evaluate the clinical efficacy, HIFU appears to be a safe and effective treatment option in selected patients with prostate cancer.     

Time to achieve a prostate specific antigen nadir of 0.2 ng./ml. after simultaneous irradiation for prostate cancer

PURPOSE: A prostate specific antigen (PSA) cutoff point of 0.2 ng./ml. has been suggested as the standard definition of disease freedom for curative treatment of localized prostate cancer. The time to achieve this goal after irradiation was determined in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 1992 to December 1996, 539 consecutive men with clinical stage T1T2NX prostate cancer who had a minimum 5-year PSA followup and achieved a PSA nadir of 0.2 ng./ml. without hormones were evaluated. All patients were treated with simultaneous irradiation with a transperineal prostate iodine implant, followed by external beam irradiation. Time to achieve a PSA of 0.2 ng./ml. was retrospectively calculated from the date of implantation in all men and according to various factors. Recurrence was defined as a subsequent increase above a PSA of 0.2 ng./ml. Minimum followup was 5 years (median 6.5, range 5 to 9). RESULTS: In all 539 men the median time to a PSA nadir of 0.2 ng./ml. was 27 months, while 534 (99%) achieved this level by 60 months of followup. Median time to achieve this PSA goal was 20 and 39 months in patients without and with a PSA bounce, respectively. Pretreatment PSA, disease status and ultimately PSA bounce, Gleason score and stage had little or no effect on time to a PSA of 0.2 ng./ml. CONCLUSIONS: With rare exceptions to be potentially cured of prostate cancer by simultaneous irradiation men must achieve a PSA nadir of 0.2 ng./ml. within 5 years of implantation. Failure to reach this goal by 60 months of followup almost always indicates persistent disease.     

First analysis of the long-term results with transrectal HIFU in patients with localised prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy for patients with localised prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients included in this multicentre analysis had T1-T2 NxM0 prostate cancer, a PSA<15 ng/ml, and a Gleason score (GS) < or = 7, and were treated with prototypes or first-generation Ablatherm HIFU devices between October 1997 and August 2001. The Phoenix definition of biochemical failure was used (PSA nadir+2). Treatment failure was defined as: biochemical failure or positive biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients with a mean (SD) age 69.1 yr (6.6) were included. Mean (SD) follow-up was 6.4 yr (1.1). Control prostate biopsies were negative in 86.4% of patients. Median PSA nadir of 0.16 ng/ml (range, 0.0-9.1) was achieved at a mean (SD) of 4.9 mo (5.2). A PSA nadir < or = 0.5 ng/ml was recorded in 68.4% of patients. The actuarial biochemical failure-free survival rates (SR) at 5 and 7 yr were 77% and 69%, respectively. The actuarial disease-free SR at 5 and 7 yr were 66% and 59%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the effective long-term cancer control achieved with HIFU in patients with low- or intermediate-risk localised prostate cancer.     

Active surveillance; a reasonable management alternative for patients with prostate cancer: the Miami experience

OBJECTIVE

To examine the outcome of patients diagnosed with ‘low‐risk’ prostate cancer managed by active surveillance (AS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 157 men with localized prostate cancer were followed on AS. The inclusion criteria for AS included: Gleason score of ≤ 6, a serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of ≤15 ng/mL, stage ≤ T2, low‐volume disease and >12 months of follow‐up. The follow‐up was rigorous, with PSA tests and a digital rectal examination every 3 months for 2 years, and a repeat biopsy 6–12 months after the initial diagnosis and yearly when indicated. Continuance of AS was based on the PSA doubling time, re‐biopsy score, Gleason score, tumour volume, stage progression and patient preference.

RESULTS

In all 99 patients met the inclusion criteria; their mean age at diagnosis was 66 years, their mean PSA level 5.77 ng/mL and the mean follow‐up 45.3 months. On initial repeat biopsy, 63% had no cancer and 34% had a Gleason sum of ≤ 6. Eight patients were treated (three with hormones; five with curative intent); two had radical prostatectomy (one had pT2c pNO Gleason 7 disease); three had radiotherapy. The probability is that 85% would remain treatment‐free at 5 years; no patient died from prostate cancer. The PSA doubling time and clinical stage at diagnosis were predictive of progression.

CONCLUSION

Patients who are followed on AS must be selected using narrowly defined inclusion criteria and closely followed with a standard regimen of PSA testing, digital rectal examination and repeat biopsy.