Study Compares Treatment Approaches for Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Overview of Prostate Cancer Treatments

Treatment options for prostate cancer are influenced by the disease’s progression, which can be evaluated through the Gleason score of biopsied tissue. Tumors classified with Gleason scores of 9 to 10 are particularly aggressive and account for a significant portion of prostate cancer-related fatalities. Following surgical removal of the prostate, nearly 80% of patients in this high-risk category face a recurrence of cancer, often necessitating subsequent radiation and hormone therapy.

Research Collaboration and Findings

A collaborative study conducted by researchers from Germany and the United States aimed to assess the efficacy of a combined approach involving surgery and postoperative radiation and hormone therapy versus surgery alone in treating aggressive prostate cancer. The study involved 639 men diagnosed with Gleason scores of 9 or 10 and was published in JAMA Oncology.

The findings revealed that around 10% of patients who received radiation and hormone therapy after surgery were likely to die within five years, compared to 20% mortality among those who underwent surgery alone.

Implications of the Study

While radiation and hormone therapies are not always administered immediately post-surgery due to potential overtreatment concerns, the study’s authors advocate for a reevaluation of these apprehensions. Given the high recurrence rates observed in patients with aggressive prostate cancer, they suggest that earlier initiation of these therapies may be beneficial.

References

Tilki D, Chen MH, Wu J, Huland H, Graefen M, Braccioforte M, Moran BJ, D’Amico AV. Surgery vs Radiotherapy in the Management of Biopsy Gleason Score 9-10 Prostate Cancer and the Risk of Mortality. JAMA Oncol. 2018 Nov 15. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2018.4836. [Epub ahead of print]
Surgery & combination therapy optimises results in aggressive prostate cancer management. Oncology News Australia. http://oncologynews.com.au/surgery-combination-therapy-optimises-results-in-aggressive-prostate-cancer-management/. Published November 19, 2018.