Treatment of biochemical recurrence after primary therapy with curative intent

We aimed to summarize the recent advancements in management of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after primary curative therapy for prostate cancer (PCa), and the role of advanced imaging technologies in guiding and improving treatment decisions.

Recent studies have reshaped the approach to managing BCR after primary treatment for PCa. A key shift is the preference for early salvage radiotherapy (sRT), which has proven to offer comparable or even superior outcomes to immediate adjuvant therapy when closely monitored for progression. PSA kinetics (PSA doubling time) continue to guide treatment decisions, together with the time to PSA rise, Gleason Grade of the original tumor, and PSMA-PET imaging at the time of recurrence. While PSMA-PET significantly enhances the precision of recurrence detection, its sensitivity for smaller pelvic lymph node metastases remains limited, underscoring the need for careful consideration of all factors together to develop a risk-based consulting for all individualized treatment plan integrating patient wishes and health.

Recent studies underscore the efficacy of early sRT in managing BCR, with PSA kinetics and ISUP score as a crucial factor in guiding treatment decisions. Furthermore, the integration of PSMA-PET imaging has improved the precision of recurrence detection, facilitating more tailored and effective treatment strategies for patients with BCR. We are finally entering the age of personalized, risk-based, patient-centred case delivery, where treatment of the primary tumor with curative intent is offered to patients with BCR.