Therapeutic irradiation for patients with an elevated post-prostatectomy prostate specific antigen level

Purpose: This study was initiated to determine the efficacy of post-prostatectomy therapeutic radiation for patients with elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA). Materials and Methods: A total of 47 patients received 66 Gy. therapeutic irradiation to the prostate bed for a PSA level greater than 0 ng./ml. postoperatively, Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed to identify prognostic variables. Results: At a median followup of 36 months (range 18 to 48) 83 and 33% of the patients with PSA 2 ng./ml. or less and 2 ng./ml, or greater, respectively, had no evidence of disease (p = 0.001). Pathological stage and a complete biochemical, response (PSA less than 0.05 ng./ml.) were also significant prognostic variables. Conclusions: Therapeutic irradiation for patients with elevated PSA postoperatively is highly effective, At a median followup of 36 months 64% of the patients remain disease-free.