Therapeutic irradiation for patients with an elevated post-prostatectomy prostate specific antigen level.
OBJECTIVE
This study was initiated to determine the efficacy of post-prostatectomy therapeutic radiation for patients with elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA).


METHODS
A total of 47 patients received 66 Gy. therapeutic irradiation to the prostate bed for a PSA level greater than 0 ng./ml. postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed to identify prognostic variables.


RESULTS
At a median followup of 36 months (range 18 to 48) 83 and 33% of the patients with PSA 2 ng./ml. or less and 2 ng./ml. or greater, respectively, had no evidence of disease (p = 0.001). Pathological stage and a complete biochemical response (PSA less than 0.05 ng./ml.) were also significant prognostic variables.


CONCLUSIONS
Therapeutic irradiation for patients with elevated PSA postoperatively is highly effective. At a median followup of 36 months 64% of the patients remain disease-free.
Forman
J D
JD
Department of Radiation Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
Meetze
K
K
Pontes
E
E
Wood
D P
DP
Shamsa
F
F
Rana
T
T
Porter
A T
AT
D000206:Actuarial Analysis; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011379:Prognosis; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D011468:Prostatectomy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D015996:Survival Rate
D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen