Followup of irradiated prostatic carcinoma by aspiration biopsy

Of 66 patients with irradiated prostatic carcinoma 53 were controlled regularly by repeat aspiration biopsy every 6 months. Local sterilization was achieved in 43 per cent but the results of combined radiotherapy (endocrine therapy plus irradiation) were only 8 per cent more favorable than those in patients treated by radiotherapy alone. Thus, endocrine therapy is not warranted before the radiation effect is evaluated. Post-radiation treatment should be determined by the clinical and bioptic findings.