Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in young adults: age-stratified oncological and functional outcomes

There is a scarcity of information on the outcomes of robotic-assisted prostatectomy (RALP) in young men. To compare the age-stratified functional and oncological outcomes of RALP in men aged ≤ 55 years. Among 10,997 patients in our RALP series, 2243 were ≤ 55 years old. These men were divided into 3 age-stratified groups (group 1  ≤ 45 years, group 2 46-50 years, and group 3 51-55 years old). Age-stratified groups were compared for clinical, oncological, and trifecta outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models were used to identify survival estimations and their predictors. Overall, 33% and 22% of men had non-organ confined (≥ pT3) and Gleason ≥ 4 + 3 prostate cancer at final pathology, respectively. Younger patients had a higher incidence of low-risk disease and better erectile function at presentation. Organ-confined and Gleason 3 + 3 cancer rates for men ≤ 45 and 51-55 years were 82 vs. 74% and 41 vs. 30%, respectively (p < 0.05). Biochemical recurrence-free survival was similar among age-stratified groups. Bilateral full nerve-sparing (NS) rate was significantly higher in younger patients (74% in group 1 vs. 56% in group 3, p < 0.001). One-year trifecta rates were 79.8%, 71.6%, and 63.9% for increasing age groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Age, comorbidity score, and extent of NS were independent predictors of functional recovery. This study is limited by its retrospective design. At RALP, one-third of patients ≤ 55 years have locally advanced or high-risk prostate cancer. Age ≤ 45 years is associated with higher incidence of favorable tumor characteristics, which gives the surgeon increased ability to perform bilateral full NS, resulting in better functional recovery. In this report, we compared the age-stratified outcomes of RALP in a large series of men ≤ 55 years. We found that younger age was associated with more favorable tumor characteristics and better functional outcomes. We conclude that earlier diagnosis may lead to improved RALP outcomes.