Salvage cryosurgical ablation of the prostate for local recurrence after radiation therapy: improved outcomes utilizing a capromab pendetide scan and biopsy algorithm.

Author(s): Clarke HS Jr, Eskridge MR, El-Zawahry AM, Keane TE

Affiliation(s): Department of Urology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.

Publication date & source: 2007-12, Can J Urol., 14 Suppl 1:24-7.

Publication type: Comparative Study

PURPOSE: We assessed the efficacy, complications and technical advancements in salvage cryosurgical ablation of the prostate for recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy. METHODS: A total of 58 patients were evaluated for salvage cryosurgery using an algorithm of capromab pendetide scan and prostate biopsy from January 2003-July 2007. Forty-seven patients underwent salvage cryosurgery and biochemical recurrence free survival and complications were retrospectively reviewed. Mean follow-up was 24 months. RESULTS: Seventy percent of patients achieved a nadir PSA < 0.5 ng/ml. Overall, 51% of patients achieved a durable PSA response with a pre-salvage serum PSA < 10 predictive of success. There were no major complications and minor complications were few. CONCLUSION: Salvage cryotherapy in experienced hands utilizing third-generation technology provides for excellent biochemical control with minimal morbidity.