[Application of radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer and its outcome]

The proportion of patients with localized prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy is increasing rapidly in Japan. As for the qualifications of patient candidates for radical surgery, various clinical and pathological findings to predict tumor extent and disease-free outcome must be considered carefully. There has been increased interest in the application of neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy for locally advanced tumor group in order to improve disease-free survival and overall survival. The new anatomical approach to radical prostatectomy with its nerve sparing option assures preservation of erection. This procedure achieves excellent cancer control for patients with a definite organ-confined tumor preoperatively. Finally, more time is needed to obtain information on the long-term outcome after radical prostatectomy.