[Experiences with intensive radiotherapy of prostatic cancer in conjunction with surgery (transurethral resection,...

Since 1981 a curative radiation treatment was performed in 84 patients with prostatic carcinoma. Previously, in 37 cases a transurethral resection of bladder outlet obstruction was done and in 18 patients a pelvic lymph node dissection was performed, whereas 29 patients were without operative therapy. Mild side effects of radiation could observed in all 3 groups in nearly the same portion (59/56/65%). However, in the group with transurethral resection after follow-up of 4,4 years severe late complications were found (cystitis, incontinence, urethral fistula). Therefore, radiation treatment of prostatic carcinoma after transurethral resection was abandoned. The cumulative 5-year-survival rate was 63% and in the TUR group only 41%. 9 out of 10 patients with histological verified lymph node metastases and radiation treatment are alive after mean follow-up time of 3.1 years without evidence of recurrent disease.