Early stage prostate cancer: biochemical recurrence after treatment

Abstract

ARTICLE INFO ______________________________________________________________ ______________________Objectives: To identify retrospectively through chart analysis the biochemical recurrence frequency of localized prostate cancer at diagnosis of patients submitted to surgery or radiotherapy; to correlate diagnostic characteristics associated with higher risk of biochemical recurrence. There was no significant statistical difference of biochemical recurrence between patients submitted to radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy. Biochemical recurrence was diagnosed in only 11 of 73 patients (15%) submitted to conformal radiotherapy using tridimensional technique. Conclusion: Radiotherapy and radical prostatectomy have similar treatment results. Tridimensional conformal radiotherapy used nowadays is more efficient than earlier forms of radiation therapy (cobalt therapy and bidimensional linear accelerator therapy).

Factors determining biochemical recurrence in low-risk prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy

“…However, not all RP patients are completely cured. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) is diagnosed in 22% of follow-up low-risk patients [4] who require additional treatments. Therefore, determining BCR is important in treatment and follow-up plans.…”