Analysis of impact of age and race on biochemical control after radiotherapy in different prostate cancer settings.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a single-institution analysis of the impact of age and race on biochemical control after radiotherapy (RT) administered in different prostate cancer scenarios. Age and race are among the most controversial prognostic factors in determining outcome after RT. Proper understanding of these prognostic factors can assist in both treatment decision-making and the general understanding of the natural history of prostate cancer.


METHODS
The records of 527 consecutive nonmetastatic patients undergoing RT at a single institution and for whom demographic, disease, treatment, and follow-up information were available were reviewed. The cohort was divided into two categories: locally advanced/localized (458 patients) and postprostatectomy (69 patients). Biochemical failure-free survival (BFFS) curves were compared within each group to determine the influence of age and race on biochemical control.


RESULTS
BFFS curves for the entire study population did not reveal any statistically significant difference when separated by age (younger than 60 years versus 60 to 69 years versus 70 years or older; 4-year BFFS 75% versus 70% versus 72%, respectively; P = 0.773) or by race (African American versus white; 4-year BFFS 74% versus 70%, respectively; P = 0.469). Additionally, no statistically significant differences were observed as a function of stage or age within either category (intact prostate or postprostatectomy).


CONCLUSIONS
Age and race did not, in our study, independently influence biochemical control after RT for nonmetastatic prostate cancer. On the basis of the results of this study, age and race should not be used as independent factors in treatment decision-making and in patient counseling concerning prostate cancer.
Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. jani@rover.uchicago.edu
Ashesh B
AB
Jani
John
J
Gratzle
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D044383:Black People; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D044465:White People; D001741:Black or African American