Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

05:19
A New Technique for Treating Low-risk Prostate Cancer—Super Active Surveillance
Published on: November 7, 2025
Third-generation salvage cryotherapy for radiorecurrent prostate cancer: a centre's experience
Prodromos Philippou1, Tet Yap, Francis Chinegwundoh
1Barts and The London NHS Trust, London, UK. brucemed@hotmail.com
Urologia Internationalis
|January 31, 2012
Summary
Salvage cryotherapy offers a viable treatment option for men with recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy. This approach demonstrated a 58% biochemical disease-free survival rate at two years, supporting its use in managing this challenging condition.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Cryosurgery
Background:
- Recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Salvage cryotherapy is an emerging treatment option for these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of salvage cryotherapy for radiorecurrent prostate cancer.
- To assess biochemical disease-free survival and complication rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 19 patients treated with salvage cryotherapy between 2006 and 2008.
- Biochemical recurrence confirmed by prostate biopsy; 'Phoenix definition' used for failure.
- Follow-up included PSA monitoring and assessment of complications.
Main Results:
- Mean follow-up was 33.3 months; 2-year biochemical disease-free survival was 58%.
- Median PSA nadir post-cryotherapy was 0.20 ng/ml.
- Complications included incontinence (10.5%), erectile dysfunction (89%), and fistula (5.3%). No deaths reported.
Conclusions:
- Salvage cryotherapy shows promising biochemical response rates for radiorecurrent prostate cancer.
- Cryotherapy can be considered a salvage option for managing prostate cancer recurrence post-radiotherapy.

