Purpose: We reviewed the curative options available to patients with local failure after radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer and identified the patients best suited for such salvage therapies.
Materials and methods: A literature search of English language publications was done using the key terms salvage, prostatectomy, cryosurgery, brachytherapy and radiation failure.
Results: Salvage radical prostatectomy offers 5-year biochemical relapse-free rates between 55 and 69%. Higher complication rates are reported with salvage compared to primary radical prostatectomy, including rectal injuries, bladder neck contracture and urinary incontinence. Cryosurgery biochemical response rates vary according to the definition of failure but they are generally lower than those of salvage radical prostatectomy. The local control rates of cryosurgery are acceptable. Major complications related to cryotherapy are urinary incontinence, impotence, pelvic pain and urinary retention. Experience with salvage brachytherapy has been limited but some success has been reported in terms of biochemical control.
Conclusions: Salvage prostatectomy for localized radiation failure is a good option in the patient with a life expectancy of at least 10 years, preradiation and preoperative prostate specific antigen less than 10 ng/ml, and localized preoperative stage with the understanding that complication risks are higher. Salvage cryotherapy is a valid option in patients with preoperative prostate specific antigen less than 10 ng/ml and Gleason score less than 8, clinical stage less than T3 who are hormonally naive. Salvage cryotherapy is especially suited for older patients with some comorbidities who are still considered to be at reasonable anesthetic risk. The study of brachytherapy remains in its infancy and the efficacy of this modality remains to be determined.