Outcome of post-prostatectomy radiotherapy in one institution

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Urologic Oncology

Background:

• Prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy presents a significant clinical challenge.
• Adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy are established treatment modalities for recurrent prostate cancer.
• Evaluating the long-term outcomes and toxicity of postoperative radiotherapy is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and safety of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with recurrent prostate cancer.
• To determine the rates of local recurrence, distant metastasis, and survival following radiotherapy.
• To analyze the incidence and severity of late treatment-related toxicities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 26 prostate cancer patients treated with postoperative radiotherapy (adjuvant or salvage) between 1997 and 2004.
• Standard radiotherapy dose of 61.2 Gy delivered at 1.8 Gy per fraction.
• Detailed assessment of clinical outcomes, including recurrence, metastasis, survival, and treatment toxicity.

Main Results:

• No local recurrences were observed in any of the 26 patients.
• Twenty-four patients remain alive, with two deaths attributed to cancer (one metastatic prostate cancer, one esophageal cancer).
• Low rates of grade 1/2 late bowel and genitourinary effects were reported; no grade 3/4 toxicities occurred.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative radiotherapy demonstrates excellent local control for recurrent prostate cancer.
• The treatment is well-tolerated, with a favorable toxicity profile.
• Radiotherapy is an effective option for managing biochemical or clinical recurrence after prostatectomy.