Responders and nonresponders to transurethral microwave thermotherapy: a multicenter retrospective analysis.
OBJECTIVE
We attempted to identify any parameter that could possibly lead to a successful treatment outcome after transurethral microwave thermotherapy.


METHODS
Clinical parameters and treatment profiles of 292 patients were analyzed in a retrospective multicenter manner. Responder and nonresponder groups were identified according to a given definition.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics were found. Responders showed a 76% symptomatic improvement rate compared to 27% in nonresponders, and an 82% improvement rate in peak flow compared to a 5% decrease in nonresponders. Responders also showed a significantly greater increase in posttreatment PSA level and a significantly greater amount of energy released during treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
No baseline clinical parameter is capable of predicting treatment outcome.
de Wildt
M J
MJ
Department of Urology, Nijmegen University Hospital, The Netherlands.
Tubaro
A
A
Höfner
K
K
Carter
S S
SS
de la Rosette
J J
JJ
Devonec
M
M
D000368:Aged; D003972:Diathermy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000628:therapy*; D012074:Remission Induction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014521:Urethra