Partial Salvage Cryoablation of the Prostate for Recurrent Prostate Cancer After Radiotherapy Failure

ObjectivesTo determine the efficacy of partial cryoablation of the prostate in the salvage setting.MethodsAll patients who were treated between April 2004 and September 2007 for recurrent prostate adenocarcinoma after failure of primary radiotherapy by means of partial cryoablation were identified.ResultsNineteen patients met inclusion criteria; 15 had >6 months' follow-up. Mean age was 71 years. Men received salvage therapy a mean of 6 years after primary radiotherapy. Median follow-up was 18 months (range, 6-33 months). The biochemical recurrence–free survival rate (according to the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology definition) was 89%, 67%, and 50% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. One of 10 patients harbored residual carcinoma on routine follow-up biopsy at 1 year, whereas 50% harbored residual benign prostate tissue. Complications included incontinence (1), urethral stricture (1), and urethral ulcer (1).ConclusionsIn properly selected patients with a unilateral focus of disease recurrence after radiotherapy, acceptable oncologic results can be achieved with partial cryoablation of the prostate, with low morbidity.