Salvage cryotherapy with third-generation technology for locally recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy

To present the intermediate results of the use of third-generation cryotherapy as salvage treatment for locally recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy.

From January 2006 to July 2010, 32 patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy underwent salvage cryoablation using third-generation technology. Biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) was defined as the time period from salvage treatment to the date of biochemical recurrence (Phoenix definition of nadir +2 ng/ml). Complications were classified as grades 1–5 according to the modified Clavien system. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential risk factors associated with recurrence after salvage cryotherapy.

The median follow-up was 63 months (range 38–92). Mild complications (grades 1 and 2) included mild incontinence (9.4 %), acute rectal pain (31.3 %), hematuria (6.3 %), scrotal edema (9.4 %), urinary tract infection (3.1 %), lower urinary tract symptoms (15.6 %) and erectile dysfunction (57.1 %). Severe events (grade 3) included severe incontinence (3.1 %) and urethral sloughing (3.1 %). The rate of rectourethral fistula and urinary retention was absent. The 5-year overall survival was 92.3 %. The 5-year cancer-specific survival was 100 %. The 5-year BRFS rate using the Phoenix definition was 43.5 %. A multivariate analysis disclosed that PSA at cryoablation was the only predictive factor for biochemical recurrence.

Salvage cryotherapy using third-generation technology offers a safe and effective alternative for locally recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy. Additional studies with longer follow-up are necessary to determine the sustained efficacy of this procedure.