Third-generation cryotherapy for prostate cancer in the UK: a prospective study of the early outcomes in primary and recurrent disease.
OBJECTIVE
To present the early results of the use of third-generation cryotherapy in primary and recurrent prostate cancer at one UK centre.


METHODS
Over a 14-month period 51 patients underwent cryotherapy for prostate cancer. In 31 patients cryotherapy was used as the primary treatment and in 20 as a salvage treatment after radiotherapy or hormone ablation. Data were collected prospectively and the median follow-up was 9 months.


RESULTS
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level decreased to <0.5 ng/mL in 79% of patients undergoing primary treatment and in 67% of patients undergoing salvage treatment. A higher Gleason grade and PSA levels were associated with a poorer outcome. No patient developed a fistula, 4% developed urinary retention requiring transurethral prostatectomy and 4% had persistent incontinence. The rates of erectile dysfunction were high (86%). The median inpatient stay was 2 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Early results suggest that cryotherapy offers a safe alternative for primary and recurrent prostate cancer, particularly for older and less fit patients. Long-term data are required to assess the durability of response and the effect on survival.
Cresswell
Joanne
J
Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK.
Asterling
Susan
S
Chaudhary
Moazzam
M
Sheikh
Naeem
N
Greene
Damian
D
D000368:Aged; D017679:Cryotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016879:Salvage Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen