Evidence for cure of 'young' men with prostate cancer
Hanks, G.E.; Hanlon, A.L.; Horwitz, E.M.
Oncology 15(5) 563-567; Discussion: 571-574
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0890-9091 PMID: 11396353 Document Number: 527217
A study was undertaken to evaluate the question of cure in "young" men with prostate cancer treated by external-beam radiation. Results in young men (< or = 65 years) were compared to older men. Biochemical freedom from failure was examined to 10 years' follow-up, and hazard functions for failure vs time were reported. Results show that prostate cancer patients are cured by external-beam radiation and that there is no difference in results for young or older men. Few failures occur after 5 years' follow-up and the percentage cured is similar to that with prostatectomy, with much less morbidity. Appropriate dose is necessary to optimize outcome.