Extended field radiation therapy for prostate cancer: influence of positive lymph nodes on prognosis

One hundred forty-eight patients with prostate cancer, treated with curative intent at the LDS Hospital from 1969 to 1977, were analyzed. Local control and survival were excellent in patients with negative lymph node evaluations. Eighty-six percent (24/28) were without evidence of disease at the time of this report. Patients with tumor in pelvic lymph nodes had a poor five-year disease-free survival, despite regional radiation therapy. At five years, 17% (13/18) were disease free. External beam radiation is excellent therapy for localized cancer of the prostate gland. The value of regional radiation in the presence of positive adenopathy remains to be defined.