Prediction of survival outcomes following postoperative radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer

Acta Oncol. 2020 Feb;59(2):157-163. doi: 10.1080/0284186X.2019.1675905. Epub 2019 Oct 9.

Abstract

Background: To evaluate predictive factors for survival outcomes after post-prostatectomy radiotherapy.Material and methods: In the years 2003-2008, 324 patients have received postoperative radiotherapy a median time of 14 months after radical prostatectomy. All patients have been treated up to 66.0-66.6 Gy in 1.8-2.0 Gy fractions. Predictive factors were analyzed at two stages, using a multivariable Cox regression analysis: (1) based on factors known before radiotherapy and (2) based on prostate-specific antigen response after radiotherapy.Results: Median follow-up after radiotherapy was 121 months. Prostate-specific antigen before radiotherapy, pN1 and Gleason score remained predictive factors for disease-free (hazard ratio, HR of 6.0, 2.3 and 2.5) and overall survival (HR of 2.8, 2.0 and 1.6) in multivariable analysis. Prostate-specific antigen levels increased despite radiotherapy in 27% of patients in the first six months. Failed response following salvage radiotherapy and prostate-specific antigen doubling time at the time of biochemical recurrence were predictive factors for disease-free (HR of 2.8 and 7.3; p < .01) and overall survival (HR of 2.2 and 2.6; p < .01).Conclusion: To reach the best survival outcomes following prostatectomy, salvage radiotherapy should be initiated early with low prostate-specific antigen levels, especially in patients with higher Gleason scores. Patients not responding to radiotherapy and/or patients with a short prostate-specific antigen doubling time after radiotherapy are candidates for early additional treatments.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / blood
  • Prostatectomy
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Salvage Therapy
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen