Management of locally advanced prostate cancer: a European consensus

This report summarises the findings of a European Consensus Group review of current standards of care in locally advanced prostate cancer defined as (a) untreated cancer extending clinically beyond the prostatic capsule in patients with no evidence of lymph node invasion or distant metastases, and (b) residual disease remaining after local treatment with positive surgical margins, seminal vesicle invasion, persistent prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or secondary PSA relapse. There was no overall consensus as to the standard of care in clinically apparent locally advanced prostate cancer. It was agreed, however, that hormonal therapy (e.g. with a gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogue [GnRHa]) represents a valid treatment in these patients. Treatment practices and regimens vary considerably between European countries, but GnRHa is widely used, either alone or in combination with antiandrogens. Hormonal therapy alone is a valid option, though the optimal modality, timing and duration of treatment remain to be defined. Adjuvant therapy with a GnRHa has been shown to improve survival in patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy. It is a viable option after prostatectomy in patients with persistent or secondary relapsing PSA. It was determined that optimal treatment will be different according to PSA, clinical staging and Gleason score, and the treatment of locally advanced disease should be individually tailored after discussion between physician and patient. In many instances, patients prefer and expect some form of treatment in preference to watchful waiting. Treatment nomograms such as the Kattan nomograms provide precise, comprehensive and invaluable tools for everyday use and may be used to predict outcomes and guide treatment decisions.