Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
A New Technique for Treating Low-risk Prostate Cancer—Super Active Surveillance
Published on: November 7, 2025
Salvage cryosurgical ablation of the prostate for local recurrence after radiation therapy: improved outcomes
Harry S Clarke1, Matthew R Eskridge, Ahmed M El-Zawahry
1Department of Urology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
Purpose:
We assessed the efficacy, complications and technical advancements in salvage cryosurgical ablation of the prostate for recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy.
Methods:
A total of 58 patients were evaluated for salvage cryosurgery using an algorithm of capromab pendetide scan and prostate biopsy from January 2003-July 2007. Forty-seven patients underwent salvage cryosurgery and biochemical recurrence free survival and complications were retrospectively reviewed. Mean follow-up was 24 months.
Results:
Seventy percent of patients achieved a nadir PSA < 0.5 ng/ml. Overall, 51% of patients achieved a durable PSA response with a pre-salvage serum PSA < 10 predictive of success. There were no major complications and minor complications were few.
Conclusion:
Salvage cryotherapy in experienced hands utilizing third-generation technology provides for excellent biochemical control with minimal morbidity.
