Between 1977 and 1991, 20 patients with radical prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate and palpable, biopsy-proven local recurrence without evidence of metastases underwent radiotherapy. Of these patients 16 were treated with orchiectomy combined with irradiation and four patients underwent irradiation alone. Local control, as determined by rectal palpation was achieved in 19/20 patients. Eleven patients are still alive without disease. Disease-free survival (determined since 1987 including PSA) was 68% for five years and 41% for ten years. 6/9 patients have died with cancer, three patients died intercurrent free of disease. Overall survival remained 51% for five years and 31% for ten years. Prevention of local recurrence is of great importance and these data support the adjuvant post-operative irradiation in defined patients at risk.