Post-Prostatectomy PSA Might Signal Need for Radiation Therapy, Study Shows

Posted by Lewisvilleflower on May 8th, 2015

Radical removal of the prostate gland to treat cancer generally results undetectable PSA levels following surgery. When this isn’t the case, however, patients may sometimes find themselves at risk for the cancer’s return. While a wait-and-see approach is often taken in this case, some research is pointing to the benefits of taking a more aggressive stance.

A new study out of Germany reveals that overall prostate cancer survivability goes up when aggressive radiation therapy is administered post-prostatectomy if detectable PSA levels are found.

The study is a result of the 10-year post-treatment analysis of a German trial involving an initial 388 patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy. Most patients still displayed a detectable PSA level. The study was meant to compare the differences between taking a wait-and-see approach and using adjuvant radiation therapy instead.

Patients involved in the study were broken up into three groups:

•     Arm A – This group was addressed with a wait-and-see approach
•    Arm B – This group received adjuvant radiation therapy
•    Arm C – This group’s members did not achieve an undetectable PSA. Its members were treated with salvage radiation therapy.

Researchers used the Kaplan-Meier method to analyze the overall survival rates at the 10-year mark for all three groups. The survivability rate for the first group at the 10-year point was calculated at 86 percent. Patients in the second group had an overall survivability rate of 83 percent. Those in the third group showed a survivability rate of 68 percent.

While radical prostatectomy generally results in an undetectable PSA level, that is not always the case. For those with a persistent detectable level, researchers say a more uniform, aggressive and early treatment protocol can help improve outcomes.

Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer should work closely with their doctors to determine the best treatment protocol in their particular case. The advised approach may vary based on a person’s unique circumstances.

About Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology
As a division of Choice Cancer Care, the Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology group has a patient-first philosophy. This is meant to help patients maintain a positive outlook while they undergo cutting-edge treatments to battle cancer. Our certified medical oncology and haematology physicians Dr. James Mackey and Dr. Kiran Kancharla along with our experienced and trained medical staff offer patients access to top-notch oncology care for breast, colon and other cancers in a comfortable environment with free and convenient parking. For more information you can visit http://lewisvilleflowermoundoncology.com/

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Lewisvilleflower
Joined: March 2nd, 2013
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