Salvage Prostate Cryoablation: Initial Results From the Cryo On-Line Data Registry

Mature rectovesical fistula after salvage cryotherapy; A rare complication following treatment for locally advanced prostate cancer

A rectovesical fistula is an abnormal connection between the bladder and rectum. A rectovesical fistula is a theoretical, but rarely documented phenomenon following locally advanced prostate cancer treatment (radiation therapy, cryotherapy, etc.). Here, we present a case report of a mature rectovesical fistula thirteen years after the patient was treated with radiation therapy and salvage cryotherapy for locally advanced prostate cancer and the various treatment options.

Salvage High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Recurrent Prostate Cancer After Definitive Radiation

PURPOSE

Salvage high-dose-rate brachytherapy (sHDRBT) for locally recurrent prostate cancer after definitive radiation is associated with biochemical control in approximately half of patients at 3 to 5 years. Given potential toxicity, patient selection is critical. We present our institutional experience with sHDRBT and validate a recursive partitioning machines model for biochemical control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 129 patients who underwent whole-gland sHDRBT between 1998 and 2016. We evaluated clinical factors associated with biochemical control as well as toxicity.

RESULTS

At diagnosis the median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 7.77 ng/mL. A majority of patients had T1-2 (73%) and Gleason 6-7 (82%) disease; 71% received external beam radiation therapy (RT) alone, and 22% received permanent prostate implants. The median disease-free interval (DFI) was 56 months, and median presalvage PSA was 4.95 ng/mL. At sHDRBT, 46% had T3 disease and 51% had Gleason 8 to 10 disease. At a median of 68 months after sHDRBT, 3- and 5-year disease-free survival were 85% (95% CI, 79-91) and 71% (95% CI, 62-79), respectively. Median PSA nadir was 0.18 ng/mL, achieved a median of 10 months after sHDRBT. Patients with ≥35%+ cores and a DFI <4.1 years had worse biochemical control (19% vs 50%, P = .02). Local failure (with or without regional/distant failure) was seen in 11% of patients (14/129), and 14 patients (11%) developed acute urinary obstruction requiring Foley placement and 19 patients (15%) developed strictures requiring dilation.

CONCLUSIONS

sHDRBT is a reasonable option for patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer after definitive RT. Those with <35%+ cores or an initial DFI of ≥4.1 years may be more likely to achieve long-term disease control after sHDRBT.

Functional Outcomes after Local Salvage Therapies for Radiation-Recurrent Prostate Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To assess the rate and severity of functional outcomes after salvage therapy for radiation recurrent prostate cancer.

METHODS

This systematic review of the MEDLINE/PubMed database yielded 35 studies, evaluating salvage radical prostatectomy (RP), brachytherapy (BT), high-intensity focal ultrasound (HIFU) and cryotherapy (CT) after failure of primary radiation therapy. Data on pre- and post-salvage rates and severity of functional outcomes (urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and lower urinary tract symptoms) were collected from each study.

RESULTS

The rates of severe urinary incontinence ranged from 28-88%, 4.5-42%, 0-6.5%, 2.4-8% post salvage RP, HIFU, CT and BT, respectively. The rates of erectile dysfunction were relatively high reaching as much as 90%, 94.6%, 100%, 62% following RP, HIFU, CT and BT, respectively. Nonetheless, the high pre-salvage rates of ED preclude accurate estimation of the effect of salvage therapy. There was an increase in the median IPSS following salvage HIFU, BT and CT ranging from 2.5-3.4, 3.5-12, and 2, respectively. Extended follow-up showed a return-to-baseline IPSS in a salvage BT study. The reported data suffer from selection, reporting, publication and period of study biases, making inter-study comparisons inappropriate.

CONCLUSIONS

local salvage therapies for radiation recurrent PCa affect continence, lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual functions. The use of local salvage therapies may be warranted in the setting of local disease control, but each individual decision must be made with the informed patient in a shared decision working process.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Local Salvage Therapies After Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer (MASTER)

CONTEXT

Management of locally recurrent prostate cancer after definitive radiotherapy remains controversial due to the perceived high rates of severe genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity associated with any local salvage modality.

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively compare the efficacy and toxicity of salvage radical prostatectomy (RP), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy, and high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. Two- and 5-yr recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates and crude incidences of severe GU and GI toxicity were extracted as endpoints of interest. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted to characterize summary effect sizes and quantify heterogeneity. Estimates for each modality were then compared with RP after adjusting for individual study-level covariates using mixed-effect regression models, while allowing for differences in between-study variance across treatment modalities.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 150 studies were included for analysis. There was significant heterogeneity between studies within each modality, and covariates differed between modalities, necessitating adjustment. Adjusted 5-yr RFS ranged from 50% after cryotherapy to 60% after HDR brachytherapy and SBRT, with no significant differences between any modality and RP. Severe GU toxicity was significantly lower with all three forms of radiotherapeutic salvage than with RP (adjusted rates of 20% after RP vs 5.6%, 9.6%, and 9.1% after SBRT, HDR brachytherapy, and LDR brachytherapy, respectively; p ≤ 0.001 for all). Severe GI toxicity was significantly lower with HDR salvage than with RP (adjusted rates 1.8% vs 0.0%, p < 0.01), with no other differences identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Large differences in 5-yr outcomes were not uncovered when comparing all salvage treatment modalities against RP. Reirradiation with SBRT, HDR brachytherapy, or LDR brachytherapy appears to result in less severe GU toxicity than RP, and reirradiation with HDR brachytherapy yields less severe GI toxicity than RP. Prospective studies of local salvage for radiorecurrent disease are warranted.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In a large study-level meta-analysis, we looked at treatment outcomes and toxicity for men treated with a number of salvage treatments for radiorecurrent prostate cancer. We conclude that relapse-free survival at 5 years is equivalent among salvage modalities, but reirradiation may lead to lower toxicity.

Management of Isolated Local Failures Following Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Low to Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer

Background: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with low to intermediate risk prostate cancer (1). SBRT results in very low PSA nadirs secondary to the delivery of high biologically effective doses. Studies reporting on the diagnosis, confirmation, and management of salvageable isolated local failures (ILF) are limited. This study aims to determine the incidence and management approach of ILF after SBRT in a large single institution cohort. Method: All patients with low or intermediate risk localized prostate cancer treated with SBRT at Georgetown University Hospital were eligible for this study. Treatment was delivered using robotic SBRT with doses of 35-36.25 Gy in five fractions. ILF were diagnosed using multiparametric MRI and/or biopsy prompted by rising PSA levels after achieving long-term nadir. Patient's characteristics were extracted from a prospective institutional quality of life trial (IRB 2009-510). Type of salvage therapy and post-salvage PSA were determined on subsequent follow-up and chart review. Results: Between December 2008 to August 2018, 998 men with low to intermediate risk prostate cancer were eligible for inclusion in this analysis. Twenty-four patients (low risk, n = 5; intermediate risk, n = 19) were found to have ILF within the prostate on either MRI (n = 19) and/or biopsy (n = 20). Median pre-treatment PSA was 7.55 ng/ml. Median time to diagnosis of ILF was 72 months (24-110 months) with median PSA at the time of ILF of 2.8 ng/ml (0.7-33 ng/ml). Median PSA doubling time was 17 months (5-47 months). Thirteen patients with biopsy proven ILF proceeded with salvage therapy (cryotherapy n = 12, HIFU n = 1). Of 12 patients who underwent cryotherapy, 7 had a post-treatment PSA of <0.1 ng/ml. One patient experienced a urethral-cutaneous fistula (grade 3 toxicity). Conclusion: The incidence of isolated local recurrence is rare in our cohort. Diagnosis and management of isolated local failures post-SBRT continues to evolve. Our report highlights the importance of early utilization of MRI and confirmatory biopsy at relatively low PSA levels and long PSA doubling time (1). Additionally, undetectable PSA levels after salvage therapy supports the role of early treatment in ILF (1). Further research is needed to determine appropriate patient selection and salvage modality in this population.

Hyaluronic acid spacer in focal prostate reirradiation: A single centre experience

PURPOSE

The optimal management of locally recurrent prostate cancer after curative radiotherapy is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated the preliminary results of reirradiation using stereotactic body radiotherapy for locally recurrent prostate cancer after initial definitive local radiotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 2016 and February 2019, 11 patients with recurrent disease at the previously irradiated prostate were treated. Local recurrence was detected by radiological with or without functional imaging modalities including prostate multiparametric/pelvic MRI or positron-emission tomography-computerised tomography with (⁶⁸Ga)-labelled prostate-specific membrane antigen performed after rising prostate specific antigen serum level during follow-up. All patients received stereotactic body radiotherapy to the recurrent nodule to a total dose of 30Gy in five fractions. Hyaluronic acid spacer was injected between prostate and rectum in seven patients to decrease the rectal dose. Acute toxicity was evaluated by using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0, and late toxicity was evaluated by using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer late radiation morbidity scoring schema.

RESULTS

At the diagnosis, the median age was 64 years, and the mean prostate specific antigen serum concentration was 17.7ng/mL. The median interval time between local recurrence and initial definitive radiotherapy was 63 months. Mean prostate specific antigen concentration nadir value during follow-up was 0.43ng/mL. With a median follow up of 19 months, three patients developed either local or distant relapse. One patient had grade 3 acute rectal toxicity, and one patient had grade 2 late urinary toxicity. We did not observe any acute or late toxicity due to hyaluronic acid spacer injection.

CONCLUSION

Reirradiation after local recurrence following initial definitive radiotherapy together with hyaluronic acid spacer use seems to be effective and safe.

Rectal wall saline displacement for improved margin during MRI-guided cryoablation of primary and recurrent prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To describe safety, efficacy, and added oncologic margin of saline displacement of the rectal wall during MRI-guided cryoablation of primary and recurrent prostate cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted for patients who underwent MRI-guided cryoablation with saline displacement of the rectal wall for treatment of primary and recurrent prostate cancer over a 2-year period. Saline displacement was used when the distance from the edge of the ablation area to the rectal wall was insufficient to provide at least a 5-mm treatment margin. Pre- and post-ablation rectal wall displacement distances as well as ablative zone margins were assessed with MRI. Saline displacement distance was measured from the rectal wall to the edge of the lesion for focal lesion ablation and from the edge of the prostate for hemi-gland ablation. Immediate and intermediate-term complications were assessed.

RESULTS

Saline displacement was used in 25 patients undergoing MRI-guided cryoablation. Twenty-one patients underwent salvage cryoablation, while four patients had it as primary treatment for prostate cancer. Median pre- and post- saline displacement rectal wall displacement distances were 6.0 and 11.2 mm, respectively (P < 0.0001). Median-added oncologic margin achieved by saline displacement was 4.6 mm (range 0.6-26.5). Median follow-up was 14 months (range 5-29). There were no intra-procedural complications and 3 patients experienced minor (Clavien-Dindo grade I) complications. One rectal complication occurred in a patient undergoing salvage cryotherapy with a history of extensive pelvic surgery and radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Saline infusion at the time of MRI- guided cryoablation for prostate cancer resulted in increased distances between the target lesion and rectum. This is a useful technique in providing an added oncologic margin when treating lesions close to the rectal wall.

Salvage Cryoablation for Radiorecurrent Prostate Cancer: Initial Experience at a Regional Health Care System

CONTEXT

Local recurrence after radiotherapy for prostate cancer remains challenging to treat effectively. Although oncologic control is highest with salvage prostatectomy, the procedure is associated with substantial morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with successful salvage cryoablation for radiorecurrent prostate cancer.

DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent salvage cryoablation at our institution between 2005 and 2015. All patients had biopsy-proven local recurrence after radiotherapy. Patients with seminal vesicle invasion or metastases were excluded. Complete follow-up was obtained for all patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary study endpoint was biochemical progression-free survival based on the Phoenix criteria.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients underwent salvage cryotherapy. Mean patient age was 69.3 years. The overall biochemical salvage rate was 50.7% at a median follow-up of 3.9 years. The following factors were independently associated with successful cryotherapy: Precryotherapy Gleason score of 3 + 3 or 3 + 4, low precryotherapy prostate-specific antigen (PSA), low precryotherapy PSA density, longer time to PSA nadir after radiotherapy, and low postcryotherapy PSA nadir. A postcryotherapy PSA nadir of 0.5 ng/mL or less was associated with a biochemical progression-free survival of 79.7% at 3 years and 64.7% at 5 years, whereas a postcryotherapy PSA nadir above 0.5 was associated with a biochemical progression-free survival of 5.6% at 3 years and 0% at 5 years (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Approximately 50% of the patients achieved biochemical salvage with cryoablation at 5 years. Nadir PSA after salvage was the strongest predictor of biochemical progression-free survival in our cohort.

[Percutaneous MR-guided prostate cancer cryoablation: Predictive factors and oncologic outcomes]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pejorative predictive factors on oncologic outcomes of percutaneous MR-guided whole gland prostate cancer cryoablation (CA).

METHODS

Medical records of patients treated from 2009 to 2012, to assess medium-term oncologic outcomes, were reviewed. Prostate biopsies were performed in local recurrence suspicion (biochemical failure, MR follow-up failure).

RESULTS

Among 18 patients, mean age of 72.6 (61-78), 2 (11 %) and 7 (38.9 %) biological and reported biopsy-proven local recurrence respectively with our initial technic of CA. Mean follow-up and recurrence were 56.3 (±21.7) and 20.7 (±13.9) months respectively. A previous treatment of prostate cancer (P=0.5), pre-treatment PSA (P=0.2), pre-treatment Gleason/ISUP score (P=0.4), nadir PSA post-CA (P=0.22) were not associated with recurrence. Bilateral positive cores appears as a pejorative predictive factor (P=0.04). However mean pre-treatment positive cores percentage, 25 (±16.5) in responding patients versus 40.7 (±25.2) in case of recurrence, and maximum percentage of cancer extent in each positive core, 10.6 (±9.3) in responding patients versus 18.7 (±16.5) in case of recurrence, seemed associated with local recurrence after prostate CA but our analysis wasn't able to find a difference (P=0.09 and P=0.3 respectively) due to a lack of power.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral positive cores appears as a pejorative predictive factor. In our experience, important tumor volume seem to be a pejorative predictive factor for oncologic outcomes after PCA whereas treatment, PSA, Gleason/ISUP score, nadir PSA are not.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Magnetic Resonance-Guided Prostate Ablation

In 2019, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 174,650 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and 31,620 will die due to the prostate cancer in the United States. Prostate cancer is often managed with aggressive curative intent standard therapies including radiotherapy or surgery. Regardless of how expertly done, these standard therapies often bring significant risk and morbidity to the patient's quality of life with potential impact on sexual, urinary, and bowel functions. Additionally, improved screening programs, using prostatic-specific antigen and transrectal ultrasound-guided systematic biopsy, have identified increasing numbers of low-risk, low-grade "localized" prostate cancer. The potential, localized, and indolent nature of many prostate cancers presents a difficult decision of when to intervene, especially within the context of the possible comorbidities of aggressive standard treatments. Active surveillance has been increasingly instituted to balance cancer control versus treatment side effects; however, many patients are not comfortable with this option. Although active debate continues on the suitability of either focal or regional therapy for the low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients, no large consensus has been achieved on the adequate management approach. Some of the largest unresolved issues are prostate cancer multifocality, limitations of current biopsy strategies, suboptimal staging by accepted imaging modalities, less than robust prediction models for indolent prostate cancers, and safety and efficiency of the established curative therapies following focal therapy for prostate cancer. In spite of these restrictions, focal therapy continues to confront the current paradigm of therapy for low- and even intermediate-risk disease. It has been proposed that early detection and proper characterization may play a role in preventing the development of metastatic disease. There is level-1 evidence supporting detection and subsequent aggressive treatment of intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer. Therefore, accurate assessment of cancer risk (i.e., grade and stage) using imaging and targeted biopsy is critical. Advances in prostate imaging with MRI and PET are changing the workup for these patients, and advances in MR-guided biopsy and therapy are propelling prostate treatment solutions forward faster than ever.

GETUG-AFU 31: a phase I/II multicentre study evaluating the safety and efficacy of salvage stereotactic radiation in patients with intraprostatic tumour recurrence after external radiation therapy-study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer is the third most important cancer in terms of mortality in men. No standard local treatment exists for patients with an intraprostatic recurrence after radiotherapy. Stereotatic body radiotherapy (SBRT) could be a curative treatment for local recurrence. The phase I/II primary objective is the selection of the recommended dose for salvage-SBRT and to estimate the efficacy.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We plan to perform a multicentre prospective phase I/II study including at least 47 patients. Eligible patients are patients with biochemical recurrence occurring at least 2 years after external radiotherapy for prostatic adenocarcinoma by the Phoenix definition (prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir +2 ng/mL) and histologically proven intraprostatic recurrence only (stage T1-T2 on relapse, PSA level ≤10 ng/mL, PSA doubling time >10 months, absence of pelvic or metastatic recurrence proven by choline or PSMA positron emission tomography scan, and pelvic and prostatic assessment by multiparametric MRI). The phase I primary objective is the selection of the recommended dose for salvage-SBRT (5×6, 6×6 or 5×5 Gy) based on dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). The dose of salvage-SBRT will be selected using a time-to-event continual reassessment method based on DLT defined as grade ≥3 gastrointestinal or urinary toxicity or any other grade 4 adverse event. The phase II primary outcome is to estimate the efficacy of the salvage-SBRT in terms of biochemical relapse-free survival rate (Phoenix definition: increase in serum total PSA ≥2 ng/mL above the nadir). Phase II secondary outcomes are acute and late toxicities, quality of life, clinical progression-free survival defined as the time interval between the date of registration and the date of clinical progression or death irrespective of the cause.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has received ethical approval from the Ethics committee 'Ile-de-France III'. Academic dissemination will occur through publication and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03438552.

[Salvage cryotherapy of prostate cancer after failed external radiotherapy and brachytherapy: Morbidity and mid-term oncological results]

OBJECTIVE

To study the oncologic and functional results of salvage cryotherapy after failure of external radiotherapy and brachytherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients treated by total salvage cryotherapy (3rd generation) in 2 centers (Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Joseph in Paris and Clinique Jule-Verne Nantes) in between January 2008 and April 2016 were included. The biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) was calculated using the Phoenix criteria (PSA>nadir+2ng/mL). The functional results were assessed clinically.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients with an average follow up of 39.4months were evaluated retrospectively. The 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival (5y-BRFS) among all patients was 58.1% (IC à 95% [45.9-68.5]). Low and intermediate risk patients (d'Amico classification) were less prone to biochemical recurrence than high risk (81.05% (IC à 95% [64.1-90.5]) 5y-BRFS as opposed to 35.09% (IC à 95% [20.1-50.4]) respectively) (P<0.0001). As were patients with a Gleason score≤7 75.35% (IC à 95% [59.7-85.6]) compared to 32.31% (IC à 95% [16.5-49.2]) for higher Gleason (>7 scores [P=0.0002]). A Gleason score>7 (OR=6.9; P=0.002), PSA nadir>1ng/mL (OR=25.8; P=0.0026) and peri-urethral invasion (OR=35.8; P<0.001) were major risk factors for local recurrence in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only PSA nadir>1ng/mL (OR=12.9; P=0.042) and peri-urethral invasion (OR=21.6; P=0.0003) remain major risk factors for recurrence. About 13 (16.46%) patients were incontinent of which 3 (3.79%) required placement of an artificial urinary sphincter. Erectile dysfunction was present in 66 (83.5%) patients. Recto-urethral fistula was uncommon in 1 patient (1.27%).

CONCLUSION

Salvage cryotherapy after failure of external radiotherapy and brachytherapy is a reliable and reproducible technique with promising oncological and functional results. Study of prognostic factors will help better select eligible patients in the future.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Outcomes of salvage radical prostatectomy following more than one failed local therapy

Purpose

To describe the salvage radical prostatectomy (sRP) experience in patients presenting with recurrent, clinically localized prostate cancer after multiple failed local treatments.

Materials and Methods

Among the 251 sRP performed during 2000–2016, 11 patients had failed multiple local therapies. We describe baseline clinical characteristics at primary cancer diagnosis and prior to sRP, surgical information, complications and oncological outcomes.

Results

The mean±standard deviation age at sRP was 65±5 years and the median (interquartile range) serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 2 (1.3) ng/mL. The most common first and subsequent treatments were radiotherapy and cryotherapy, respectively, with median time of 24 months from the last local treatment. The median operative time was 180 minutes and median estimated blood loss was 750 mL. Five (45.5%) patients underwent additional procedures during sRP for pre-operative morbidity from prior treatments (rectourethral fistula, urethral stricture, incontinence). Post-operative complications requiring invasive intervention occurred in 7 (63.6%) patients. Over a median follow-up of 29 (12–96) months, 10 of the 11 men (90.9%) achieved an undetectable PSA in after sRP. Three of these men with an initially undetectable PSA level experienced biochemical recurrence; the remaining 7 are without evidence of disease. Overall, no local recurrence or systemic metastasis was identified at last follow-up.

Conclusions

sRP is technically feasible and offers durable cancer control in patients with recurrent prostate cancer despite having undergone multiple prior attempts at cure. These patients experience higher rates of post-operative complications and such patients must be appropriately counseled regarding the potential risks and benefits.

Irreversible Electroporation for Prostate Cancer as Salvage Treatment Following Prior Radiation and Cryotherapy

Salvage treatment options after localized primary treatment failure of prostate cancer are limited and associated with risk for serious complications. We report on the management details of a 57-year-old African American man treated with partial-gland ablation using irreversible electroporation following local recurrence after brachytherapy and prior salvage cryoablation. Therapeutic and functional outcomes were assessed by conventional means, including serum prostate-specific antigen values and prostate biopsy results.

[SALVAGE CRYOABLATION TARGETING RECURRENT LESIONS AFTER DEFINITIVE RADIOTHERAPY FOR PROSTATE CANCER: IMPACT OF POST CRYOABLATION CHANGE IN URINARY AND SEXUAL FUNCTION]

(Purpose) To describe our initial experience in salvage cryoablation targeting recurrent lesions after definitive irradiation for prostate cancer. (Methods) Eligible patients for this treatment were those who developed biochemical failure after definitive radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer, but without distant metastasis, and with solid lesions identifiable on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). Histological proof of recurrence with mapping biopsy covering corresponding sites was obtained. Two to four cryoprobes were inserted transperineally into the prostate under general anesthesia with extensive lithotomy position. The rapid expansion of argon gas cryogen through a small opening within the cryoprobe cools itself to make an ice ball and the quick exchange to helium gas induces an active thawing phase. Entire procedure is monitored and guided with the use of transrectal ultrasonography. Postoperative follow-up included patient interview, digital rectal examination, prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing and quality of life (QOL) monitoring using IPSS and IIEF-5 at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Changes of mpMRI findings with time, particularly at one month, were used to judge immediate treatment impact. (Results) Five patients underwent salvage cryoablation between October 2015 and September 2016. No grade 3/4 complications such as rectal fistula or urethral stenosis were experienced. Mean and maximal percent decline of PSA from baseline levels at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following cryoablation were 72.2 and 94.7%, 79.4% and 93.9%, 78.2% and 92.1%, 79.6% and 90.9%, respectively. Posttreatment IPSS showed temporary worsening with average changes in score of 1.8, 1.5, 1.6, and 1.0 times over baseline levels, respectively. IPSS score returned to the baseline in one at six months and two at 12 months. Two of 5 patients were sexually active prior to therapy and thus evaluable. Both showed significant decline in IIEF score by 95% at 12 months. No patients showed any signs of recurrence. mpMRI at one month following cryoablation confirmed complete disappearance of visible lesions in all cases. (Conclusions) Salvage cryoablation for recurrent lesions of prostate cancer after definitive radiotherapy is feasible with minimal morbidity. Both oncological outcome and adverse events should be monitored carefully with longer follow up.

Management of Biochemical Recurrence after Primary Curative Treatment for Prostate Cancer: A Review

How to manage patients with prostate cancer (PCa) with biochemical recurrence (BCR) following primary curative treatment is a controversial issue. Importantly, this prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-only recurrence is a surrogate neither of PCa-specific survival nor of overall survival. Physicians are therefore challenged with preventing or delaying the onset of clinical progression in those deemed at risk, while avoiding over-treating patients whose disease may never progress beyond PSA-only recurrence. Adjuvant therapy for radical prostatectomy (RP) or local radiotherapy (RT) has a role in certain at-risk patients, although it is not recommended in low-risk PCa owing to the significant side-effects associated with RT and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The recommendations for salvage therapy differ depending on whether BCR occurs after RP or primary RT, and in either case, definitive evidence regarding the best strategy is lacking. Options for treatment of BCR after RP are RT at least to the prostatic bed, complete or intermittent ADT, or observation; for BCR after RT, salvage RP, cryotherapy, complete or intermittent ADT, brachytherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), or observation can be considered. Many patient- and cancer-specific factors need to be taken into account when deciding on the best strategy, and optimal management depends on the involvement of a multidisciplinary team, consultation with the patient themselves, and the adoption of an individualised approach. Improvements in imaging techniques may enable earlier detection of metastases, which will hopefully refine future management decisions.

Management Options for Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common solid tumor malignancy in men worldwide. Treatment with surgery and radiation can be curative in organ-confined disease. Unfortunately, about one third of men develop biochemically recurrent disease based only on rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the absence of visible disease on conventional imaging. For these patients with biochemical recurrent prostate cancer, there is no uniform guideline for subsequent management. Based on available data, it seems prudent that biochemical recurrent prostate cancer should initially be evaluated for salvage radiation or prostatectomy, with curative intent. In selected cases, high-intensity focused ultrasound and cryotherapy may be considered in patients that meet very narrow criteria as defined by non-randomized trials. If salvage options are not practical or unsuccessful, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a standard option for disease control. While some patients prefer ADT to manage the disease immediately, others defer treatment because of the associated toxicity. In the absence of definitive randomized data, patients may be followed using PSA doubling time as a trigger to initiate ADT. Based on retrospective data, a PSA doubling time of less than 3-6 months has been associated with near-term development of metastasis and thus could be used signal to initiate ADT. Once treatment is begun, patients and their providers can choose between an intermittent and continuous ADT strategy. The intermittent approach may limit side effects but in patients with metastatic disease studies could not exclude a 20% greater risk of death. In men with biochemical recurrence, large studies have shown that intermittent therapy is non-inferior to continuous therapy, thus making this a reasonable option. Since biochemically recurrent prostate cancer is defined by technological limitations of radiographic detection, as new imaging (i.e., PSMA) strategies are developed, it may alter how the disease is monitored and perhaps managed. Furthermore, patients have no symptoms related to their disease and thus many prefer options that minimize toxicity. For this reason, herbal agents and immunotherapy are under investigation as potential alternatives to ADT and its accompanying side effects. New therapeutic options combined with improved imaging to evaluate the disease may markedly change how biochemically recurrent prostate cancer is managed in the future.

Avoidance of androgen deprivation therapy in radiorecurrent prostate cancer as a clinically meaningful endpoint for salvage cryoablation

BACKGROUND

To investigate the ability of salvage cryoablation of the prostate (SCAP) to delay the need for androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in local recurrence after radiation therapy to the prostate using the Cryo-On-Line Database (COLD) registry.

METHODS

The COLD registry is comprised of a combination of retrospectively and prospectively collected data on patients undergoing primary and SCAP. Patients with local recurrence after radiation therapy were identified. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate ADT-free survival.

RESULTS

We identified 898 patients that have undergone SCAP in the COLD registry. Overall, the calculated 5-year ADT-free survival probability was 0.713. When stratified by D'Amico risk group, 264 high-risk patients (71.9%), 234 intermediate-risk (86.7%),and 228 low-risk (87.7%) were free of ADT post-SCAP. This correlates with a 5-year ADT-free survival of 60.7, 73.9, and 82.4%, respectively. Patients with post-SCAP PSA nadir of <0.2 ng/mL had a 5 year ADT-free survival of 87.1% compared to 48.7% with a PSA nadir ≥0.2 ng/mL. Pre-operative ADT use or full versus partial gland SCAP did not have an effect on ADT use post-operatively. In 118 (55.4%) of patients with post-operative biochemical recurrence, ADT was not used.

CONCLUSION

For patients with local recurrence after radiation, SCAP is an option that provides a high chance of avoiding or delaying ADT. The potential to delay ADT and its associated side effects should be a part of counseling sessions with the patient when discussing treatment options for locally recurrent prostate cancer after radiation. Avoidance of ADT is more clinically relevant than PSA elevation.

[Evaluation and results of ablative therapies in prostate cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To perform a state of the art about methods of evaluation and present results in ablative therapies for localized prostate cancer.

METHODS

A review of the scientific literature was performed in Medline database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com) using different associations of keywords. Publications obtained were selected based on methodology, language and relevance. After selection, 102 articles were analysed.

RESULTS

Analyse the results of ablative therapies is presently difficult considering the heterogeneity of indications, techniques and follow-up. However, results from the most recent and homogeneous studies are encouraging. Oncologically, postoperative biopsies (the most important criteria) are negative (without any tumor cells in the treated area) in 75 to 95%. Functionally, urinary and sexual pre-operative status is spared (or recovered early) in more than 90% of the patients treated. More and more studies underline also the correlation between the results and the technique used considering the volume of the gland and, moreover, the "index lesion" localization.

CONCLUSION

The post-treatment pathological evaluation by biopsies (targeted with MRI or, perhaps in a near future, with innovative ultrasonography) is the corner stone of oncological evaluation of ablative therapies. Ongoing trials will allow to standardize the follow-up and determine the best indication and the best techniques in order to optimize oncological and functional results for each patient treated.

Salvage robotic SBRT for local prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy: preliminary results of the Oscar Lambret Center

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no standard option for local salvage treatment for local prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy. Our objective was to investigate the feasibility and efficiency of Robotic Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in this clinical setting.

METHODS/MATERIALS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who were treated at our institution with SBRT for local prostate cancer recurrence after External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) or brachytherapy. Multidisciplinary staff approved the treatment, and recurrence was biopsy-proven when feasible. A dose of 36 Gy was prescribed in six fractions. Treatment was delivered every other day.

RESULTS

Between August 2011 and February 2014, 23 patients were treated with SBRT for intra-prostate cancer recurrence with a median follow up of 22 months (6 to 40). Twenty patients had biopsy-proven recurrence. For 19 patients, EBRT was the initial treatment and in four patients, brachytherapy was the initial treatment; the median relapse-time from initial treatment was 65 months (28 to 150). At relapse, 10 patients had an extra-capsular extension. Fourteen patients were treated with androgen deprivation that could be stopped after a median of 1 month after SBRT (range 0-24). A PSA decrease occurred in 82.6% of the patients after SBRT. The 2-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates were 54 and 100%, respectively. Disease progression was observed for nine patients (39.1%) (five local, three metastatic and one nodal progression) after a median of 20 months (7-40 months). The median nadir PSA was 0.35 ng/ml and was achieved after a median of 8 months (1 to 30) after treatment. We observed no grade 4 or 5 toxicity. Two patients presented with grade 3 toxicities (two Cystitis and one neuralgia). Other toxicities included urinary toxicities (five grade 2 and nine grade 1) and rectal toxicities (two grade 2 and two grade 1).

CONCLUSION

SBRT for local prostate cancer recurrence seems feasible and well tolerated with a short follow up. Prospective evaluation is needed.

Imaging of local recurrence in prostate cancer

Diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) recurrence after therapy with curative intent currently depends primarily on biochemical serum analyses. When recurrence is suspected, further treatment decisions rely heavily on the confirmation of disease presence and determination of its extent. This is complicated by the fact that benign conditions can mimic biochemical recurrence, and serum studies do not reliably discriminate between local and distant recurrence. This review discusses the contemporary imaging paradigm for the evaluation of local PCa recurrence. The multidisciplinary implications for urologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists are examined. Emerging techniques and future directions of PCa imaging research are discussed.

Rectourethral fistula reconstruction in elderly patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article discusses etiologic considerations, evaluation, and contemporary approaches to managing rectourethral fistula (RUF) with particular emphasis on geriatric patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

With the advent of multimodal approaches to treating prostate cancer, such as radiation and ablative therapies, the incidence of RUF is increasing, especially in the geriatric population. Surgical repair and healing of RUF in patients with prior radiation is more challenging than in those without prior radiation or ablation because of fibrotic and ischemic changes in surrounding tissues. There is, at present, a lack of consensus over a standardized approach to RUF management because of the heterogeneity in presentation and limited, primarily retrospective, experience in the literature. Nonetheless, an evolving array of surgical approaches now exists for fistula excision and tissue interposition.

SUMMARY

Immediate recognition and management of RUF is paramount to prevent related complications. Patient selection and counseling are key to selecting the best approach for repair, whereas a multidisciplinary team, including colorectal and plastic surgery colleagues, may optimize outcomes.

MRI-guided focal therapy of prostate cancer

With the advent of focal therapy as a recognized treatment option for men with prostate cancer, there are a host of emerging interventions that take advantage of MRI for image guidance. Focal therapy affords a middleground option for patients with low- to intermediate-grade prostate cancer by providing a means of keeping their cancer at bay while avoiding the negative consequences of radical therapies. However, the practice of focal treatment is far from straightforward, with some believing focal treatment errs on the side of overtreatment among patients with low-grade cancer; others worry it is undertreatment in potentially significant multifocal disease. Further research is necessary, both relating to focal therapy in general and to the utility of each MRI-guided focal treatment discussed.

Salvage local therapy for radiation-recurrent prostate cancer - where are we?

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer is the most frequent cancer among males in Europe and a leading cause of cancer deaths, with similar proportion in other developed countries. For more than twenty years, external-beam radiation therapy, alongside with radical prostatectomy, has been used as a primary radical therapeutic approach for localized prostate cancer. Yet, EBRT failures relate to 22-69% following curative radiotherapy (± androgen deprivation therapy). Additionally, a proportion of these men will have a biopsy-proven local recurrence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The Medline and Web of Science databases were searched without a time limit during March 2016 using the terms 'prostate cancer' in conjunction with 'radiotherapy', 'recurrence', 'biochemical', 'salvage', 'brachytherapy', 'prostatectomy', 'HIFU', 'cryotherapy' and 'focal'. The search was limited to the English, Polish, German and Spanish literature.

RESULTS

Currently, salvage treatment after failed radiotherapy includes radical prostatectomy, brachytherapy and ablative whole-gland therapies, such as cryotherapy and high intensity focused ultrasound. New approaches, so called focal salvage therapy, involve ablation of only the zone of recurrence in order to decrease tissue injury and therefore to diminish morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

At present no authoritative recommendations can be concluded because of the absence of randomized data with standardized definitions and protocols. Nevertheless, we believe that local salvage treatment should be at least considered in patients after biochemical relapse following radiotherapy.

Salvage high-dose-rate brachytherapy for locally recurrent prostate cancer after primary radiotherapy failure

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To evaluate high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR BT) as a salvage modality for locally recurrent prostate cancer after primary radiotherapy failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-three prostate cancer patients, who locally relapsed after radiotherapy, were treated with salvage HDR BT. The schedule was three implantations, every two weeks, with 10Gy per implant, to a total dose of 30Gy. Acute and late toxicity rates were evaluated. Overall survival (OS) and biochemical control were calculated using Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Median follow-up after salvage HDR was 41months. The 3-year and 5-year OS were 93% and 86%, respectively. The 3-year and 5-year biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS) were 76% and 67%, respectively. The single factor associated with biochemical control was time to achieve salvage PSA nadir (p-.006). OS was linked significantly with primary nadir level (p-.001) while primary biochemical relapse interval was of borderline significance (p-.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Salvage HDR BT is a promising treatment option for patients with localized relapse of previously irradiated prostate cancer. Lower PSA nadir after primary radiotherapy and longer primary disease-free interval influence the outcome.

Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes of Salvage Cryoablation for Radio-Recurrent Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE

Management of localized radio-recurrent prostate cancer is not standardized, partly due to the absence of long-term data on oncologic control and the toxicity of various treatment modalities. We analyzed the long-term oncologic outcomes and morbidity of salvage cryoablation for radio-recurrent prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing salvage cryoablation for biopsy proven, localized radio-recurrent prostate cancer from 1995 to 2004 were prospectively accrued. Preoperative characteristics, perioperative morbidity and postoperative data were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database or via telephonic contact with the patient. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were metastasis-free and biochemical disease-free survival. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Of 187 patients 157 (84%) had records available for followup. Mean ± SD age was 69.4 ± 5.8 years and mean presalvage prostate specific antigen was 6.6 ± 5.7 ng/ml. Median followup was 117 months (IQR 55-154). Five and 10-year overall survival was 93% and 76%, respectively. Biochemical disease-free survival at 10 and 15 years was 35% and 22.6% whereas metastasis-free survival at 10 and 15 years was 86% and 71%, respectively. On multivariable analysis precryoablation and nadir prostate specific antigen values were significant predictors of metastasis-free and biochemical disease-free survival. Age at salvage cryoablation (p = 0.008) and nadir prostate specific antigen (p = 0.015) were significant predictors of overall survival. There were 157 Clavien-Dindo grade 1-2 and 22 grade 3 complications.

CONCLUSIONS

A single center, long-term experience documented by a prospectively maintained database shows that cryoablation is a viable salvage option for radio-recurrent prostate cancer as it provides durable biochemical disease-free survival with acceptable morbidity.

Focal salvage therapy for local prostate cancer recurrences after primary radiotherapy: a comprehensive review

Background/Aim

Patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer after primary radiotherapy can be eligible for salvage treatment. Whole-gland salvage techniques carry a high risk of toxicity. A focal salvage approach might reduce the risk of adverse events while maintaining cancer control in carefully selected patients. The aim of this review was to evaluate current literature to assess whether focal salvage leads to a comparable or favourable recurrence rate and less toxicity compared to whole-gland salvage.

Methods

A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. A total of 3015 articles were screened and assessed for quality. Eight papers [on focal cryoablation (n = 3), brachytherapy (n = 3) and high-intensity focused ultrasound (n = 2)] were used to report outcomes.

Results

One-, 2-, 3- and 5-year biochemical disease-free survival (BDFS) ranges for focal salvage are, respectively, 69–100, 49–100, 50–91 and 46.5–54.5 %. Severe genitourinary, gastrointestinal and sexual function toxicity rates are 0–33.3 %. One study directly compares focal to whole-gland salvage cryotherapy, showing 5-year BDFS of, respectively, 54.4 and 86.5 % with lower toxicity rates for focal salvage patients.

Conclusion

Provisional data suggest that BDFS rates of focal salvage are in line with those of whole-gland approaches. There is evidence that focal salvage could decrease severe toxicity and preserve erectile function.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00345-016-1811-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Salvage Brachytherapy for Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer following Primary Brachytherapy

Purpose. In this study, we evaluated our experience with salvage brachytherapy after discovery of biochemical recurrence after a prior brachytherapy procedure. Methods and Materials. From 2001 through 2012 twenty-one patients treated by brachytherapy within University of Kentucky or from outside centers developed biochemical failure and had no evidence of metastases. Computed tomography (CT) scans were evaluated; patients who had an underseeded portion of their prostate were considered for reimplantation. Results. The majority of the patients in this study (61.9%) were low risk and median presalvage PSA was 3.49 (range 17.41-1.68). Mean follow-up was 61 months. At last follow-up after reseeding, 11/21 (52.4%) were free of biochemical recurrence. There was a trend towards decreased freedom from biochemical recurrence in low risk patients (p = 0.12). International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) increased at 3-month follow-up visits but decreased and were equivalent to baseline scores at 18 months. Conclusions. Salvage brachytherapy after primary brachytherapy is possible; however, in our experience the side-effect profile after the second brachytherapy procedure was higher than after the first brachytherapy procedure. In this cohort of patients we demonstrate that approximately 50% oncologic control, low risk patients appear to have better outcomes than others.

Comparative morbidity of ablative energy-based salvage treatments for radio-recurrent prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION

We compared the morbidity of whole gland salvage ablation using cryotherapy (CRYO) and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for radio recurrent prostate cancer at a single centre over a 17-year period.

METHODS

Patients were divided in 3 cohorts. Group 1 included the first 65 patients treated with CRYO (1995-1998); Group 2 included the last 65 patients treated with CRYO (2002-2004), and Group 3 included 65 patients treated with HIFU (2006-2011). We analyzed the complications reported within at least 90 days of treatment or up to the last follow-up.

RESULTS

We tallied Clavien grade complications. For Groups 1, 2 and 3, we recorded the following Clavien I-II complications: 78, 49 and 13, respectively. For Clavien grade IIIa, 2, 5 and 4 for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. For Clavien grade IIIb, 8, 2 and 3 for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Clavien grade II complications were statistically higher in Group 1 versus Group 2 (p = 0.005) and in Group 2 versus Group 3 (p = 0.0001). The rate of mild-moderate incontinence was significantly higher in the CRYO group compared to the HIFU cohort (p ≤ 0.05). The rate of urinary retention was significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 3 (p = 0.0005). The rates of severe incontinence (range: 1.5%-5%), need for surgical intervention (uniform at 1.5%), and recto-urethral fistulae (range: 1.5%-3%) were not statistically different.

CONCLUSIONS

CRYO was associated with higher overall morbidity. The morbidity during the early experience with HIFU was lower than both subgroups of CRYO. This may reflect the advancement of technology or cumulative learning experience.

Decision analytic cost-effectiveness model to compare prostate cryotherapy to androgen deprivation therapy for treatment of radiation recurrent prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cost-effectiveness of salvage cryotherapy (SC) in men with radiation recurrent prostate cancer (RRPC).

DESIGN

Cost-utility analysis using decision analytic modelling by a Markov model.

SETTING AND METHODS

Compared SC and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in a cohort of patients with RRPC (biopsy proven local recurrence, no evidence of metastatic disease). A literature review captured published data to inform the decision model, and resource use data were from the Scottish Prostate Cryotherapy Service. The model was run in monthly cycles for RRPC men, mean age of 70 years. The model was run over the patient lifetime, to assess changes in patient health states and the associated quality of life, survival and cost impacts. Results are reported in terms of the discounted incremental costs and discounted incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained between the 2 alternative interventions. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis used a 10,000 iteration Monte Carlo simulation.

RESULTS

SC has a high upfront treatment cost, but delays the ongoing monthly cost of ADT. SC is the dominant strategy over the patient lifetime; it is more effective with an incremental 0.56 QALY gain (95% CI 0.28 to 0.87), and less costly with a reduced lifetime cost of £29,719 (€37,619) (95% CI -51,985 to -9243). For a ceiling ratio of £30,000, SC has a 100% probability to be cost-effective. The cost neutral point was at 3.5 years, when the upfront cost of SC (plus any subsequent cumulative cost of side effects and ADT) equates the cumulative cost in the ADT arm. Limitations of our model may arise from its insensitivity to parameter or structural uncertainty.

CONCLUSIONS

The platform for SC versus ADT cost-effective analysis can be employed to evaluate other treatment modalities or strategies in RRPC. SC is the dominant strategy, costing less over a patient's lifetime with improvements in QALYs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

This economic analysis was undertaken as part of the CROP RCT study

ISRCTN

72677390; it was a pre-trial economic model developed and analysed during the pre-results stage of the RCT.

Comparative Oncologic and Toxicity Outcomes of Salvage Radical Prostatectomy Versus Nonsurgical Therapies for Radiorecurrent Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Regression Analysis

CONTEXT

In the absence of randomised controlled trials comparing the oncologic, toxicity, and functional outcomes of salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP), salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound (SHIFU), salvage brachytherapy (SBT), and salvage cryotherapy (SCT), controversy exists as to the optimal salvage modality in radiorecurrent prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE

We carried out a meta-regression analysis to determine whether there is a difference in oncologic, toxicity, and functional outcomes using data from original publications of salvage modalities in the postradiation setting.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a systematic review of PubMed/Medline citations according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. We included 63 articles in the analysis (25 on SRP, 8 on SHIFU, 16 on SCT, 14 on SBT).

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Median values of the following variables were extracted from each study: patient age, length of follow-up, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) before radiotherapy (RT), PSA before salvage therapy, Gleason score before RT, and time interval between RT and salvage therapy. Functional, toxicity, and oncologic outcomes were measured according to rates of impotence, incontinence, fistula formation, urethral strictures, and biochemical recurrence. Meta-regression adjusting for confounders found no significant difference in oncologic outcomes between SRP and nonsurgical salvage modalities. SBT, SCT, and SHIFU appeared to have better continence outcomes than SRP. No significant difference in toxicity outcomes between modalities was found, although limitations such as reporting, selection, and publication bias and between-study heterogeneity must also be considered with these conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Oncologic outcomes are comparable for SRP and all three nonsurgical salvage modalities. We found no significant differences in toxicity outcomes among modalities; however, SRP appears to be associated with worse rates of urinary incontinence than SBT, SCT, and SHIFU.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We performed a meta-regression analysis to compare oncologic, functional, and toxicity outcomes between salvage radical prostatectomy and nonsurgical salvage modalities. Oncologic and toxicity outcomes appear to be similar; however, all nonsurgical salvage modalities may be associated with better continence outcomes.

The FORECAST study - Focal recurrent assessment and salvage treatment for radiorecurrent prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

One-third of men may experience biochemical failure by 8years following radical radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer. Over 90% of men are started on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) which is non-curative and confers systemic side-effects. Focal salvage therapy (FST) limits collateral tissue damage and may improve therapeutic ratios. In order to deliver FST, distant disease must be ruled-out and intra-prostatic disease must be accurately detected, localised and characterised.

AIM

FORECAST - Focal Recurrent Assessment and Salvage Treatment - is a study designed to evaluate a novel imaging-based diagnostic and therapeutic complex intervention pathway for men who fail radiotherapy.

METHODS

Men with biochemical failure following radical prostate radiotherapy, prior to salvage therapy will be recruited. They will undergo whole-body multi-parametric MRI (WB-MRI), choline PET/CT, bone-scan and pelvic-mpMRI and then MRI transperineal-targeted biopsies (MRI-TB) and Transperineal Template Prostate Mapping Biopsy (TPM). Those suitable for FST will undergo either high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) or cryotherapy.

RESULTS

Primary outcome measures: a) the accuracy of WB-MRI to detect distant metastatic disease; b) accuracy of prostate mpMRI in local detection of radiorecurrent prostate cancer; c) detection accuracy of MRI-TB; and d) rate of urinary incontinence following FST.

CONCLUSION

Focal salvage therapy may confer lower rates of morbidity whilst retaining disease control. In order to deliver FST, intra- and extra-prostatic disease must be detected early and localised accurately. Novel diagnostic techniques including WB-MRI and MRI-TB may improve the detection of distant and local disease whilst reducing healthcare burdens compared with current imaging and biopsy strategies.

Re-purposing cryoablation: a combinatorial 'therapy' for the destruction of tissue

It is now recognized that the tumor microenvironment creates a protective neo-tissue that isolates the tumor from the various defense strategies of the body. Evidence demonstrates that, with successive therapeutic attempts, cancer cells acquire resistance to individual treatment modalities. For example, exposure to cytotoxic drugs results in the survival of approximately 20-30% of the cancer cells as only dividing cells succumb to each toxic exposure. With follow-up treatments, each additional dose results in tumor-associated fibroblasts secreting surface-protective proteins, which enhance cancer cell resistance. Similar outcomes are reported following radiotherapy. These defensive strategies are indicative of evolved capabilities of cancer to assure successful tumor growth through well-established anti-tumor-protective adaptations. As such, successful cancer management requires the activation of multiple cellular 'kill switches' to prevent initiation of diverse protective adaptations. Thermal therapies are unique treatment modalities typically applied as monotherapies (without repetition) thereby denying cancer cells the opportunity to express defensive mutations. Further, the destructive mechanisms of action involved with cryoablation (CA) include both physical and molecular insults resulting in the disruption of multiple defensive strategies that are not cell cycle dependent and adds a damaging structural (physical) element. This review discusses the application and clinical outcomes of CA with an emphasis on the mechanisms of cell death induced by structural, metabolic, vascular and immune processes. The induction of diverse cell death cascades, resulting in the activation of apoptosis and necrosis, allows CA to be characterized as a combinatorial treatment modality. Our understanding of these mechanisms now supports adjunctive therapies that can augment cell death pathways.

Algorithm-based multidisciplinary treatment approach for rectourethral fistula

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes of an algorithm-based multidisciplinary treatment approach to rectourethral fistula.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database at a tertiary center of all consecutive patients treated between 2003 and 2013.

RESULTS

Thirty males (mean age 63 years) were reviewed. Prostate cancer treatment was the most common fistula etiology (97%). Urinary drainage consisted of urethral catheter in all patients and suprapubic catheter in 14 (47%). The rate of fecal diversion was 67%. During a mean follow-up of 72 months, healing rate was 90% and recurrence rate 0%. Spontaneous healing was achieved in 14 patients (47%): 8 (27%) without fecal diversion and 6 (20%) following fecal diversion. Thirteen patients (43%) required definitive intervention. The majority of operated patients underwent transanal or transperineal flap (endorectal, dartos, or gracilis) successfully. Only 2 patients (7%) required an abdominal approach (positive oncologic margins or non-functioning bladder). Fifteen out of the 20 patients (75%) who underwent fecal diversion had stoma closure with an overall permanent stoma rate of 17%. Long-term urinary incontinence was noted in 11 patients (37%). Six patients (20%) required permanent urinary diversion or drainage catheters.

CONCLUSIONS

Algorithm-based treatment approach for rectourethral fistula is useful in the management of this rare condition. Selective fecal diversion is possible, and majority of patients who require definitive intervention can be treated with a transanal or transperineal approach. The rate of permanent stoma is low, but long-term urinary dysfunction is frequent.

Salvage radical prostatectomy after external beam radiation therapy: a systematic review of current approaches

BACKGROUND

Radical external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is a standard treatment for prostate cancer patients. Despite this, the rate of intraprostatic relapses after primary EBRT is still not negligible. There is no consensus on the most appropriate management of these patients after EBRT failure. For these patients, local salvage therapy such as radical prostatectomy, cryotherapy, and brachytherapy may be indicated.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this review were to analyze the eligibility criteria for careful selection of appropriate patients and to evaluate the oncological results and complications for each method.

METHODS

A review of the literature was performed to identify studies of local salvage therapy for patients who had failed primary EBRT for localized prostate cancer.

RESULTS

Most studies demonstrated that local salvage therapy after EBRT may provide long-term local control in appropriately selected patients, although toxicity is often significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that for localized prostate cancer recurrence after EBRT, the selection of a local treatment modality should be made on a patient-by-patient basis. An improvement in selection criteria and an integrated definition of biochemical failure for all salvage methods are required to determine which provides the best oncological outcome and least comorbidity.

Salvage focal prostate cryoablation for locally recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy: initial results from the cryo on-line data registry

BACKGROUND

Several investigators have tried to apply salvage focal prostate cryoablation to small numbers of patients with biopsy-proven unilateral recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) after radiotherapy with the aim of decreasing complications of salvage cryoablation. We report contemporary outcomes of salvage focal cryoablation for locally recurrent PCa after radiotherapy within the Cryo On-Line Data (COLD) Registry.

METHODS

We queried the COLD Registry to identify patients diagnosed as locally recurrent PCa after radiotherapy and treated with salvage focal cryoablation. Patients with hormone ablation after cryotherapy were excluded. The biochemical disease-free survival and morbidities were analyzed. Biochemical failure was defined using the Phoenix definition.

RESULTS

From 2002 to 2012, 91 patients with biopsy-proven radio-recurrent PCa underwent salvage focal cryoablation with curative intent. The biochemical disease-free survival rates were 95.3%, 72.4%, and 46.5% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Positive biopsies after salvage focal cryoablation were observed in four of 14 patients who underwent biopsy (28.6%). Rectourethral fistula was observed in three cases (3.3%). Urinary retention was observed in six cases (6.6%). Incontinence (requiring pad use) was reported in five cases (5.5%). Intercourse was reported in 10 of 20 patients (50%) who reported potency before salvage focal cryoablation.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes from this observational study indicate that salvage focal cryoablation can be an effective treatment with encouraging potency preservation for patients with locally recurrent PCa after radiotherapy. However, other morbidity including rectourethral fistula and incontinence are not clearly lower than for patients treated with salvage whole gland cryoablation. Studies with longer follow-up, more patients, and direct comparison to salvage whole gland cryoablation are needed before recommending salvage focal cryoablation as a standard treatment option for these patients.