Purpose: We assessed the efficacy, complications and technical advancements in salvage cryosurgical ablation of the prostate for recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy.
Methods: A total of 58 patients were evaluated for salvage cryosurgery using an algorithm of capromab pendetide scan and prostate biopsy from January 2003-July 2007. Forty-seven patients underwent salvage cryosurgery and biochemical recurrence free survival and complications were retrospectively reviewed. Mean follow-up was 24 months.
Results: Seventy percent of patients achieved a nadir PSA < 0.5 ng/ml. Overall, 51% of patients achieved a durable PSA response with a pre-salvage serum PSA < 10 predictive of success. There were no major complications and minor complications were few.
Conclusion: Salvage cryotherapy in experienced hands utilizing third-generation technology provides for excellent biochemical control with minimal morbidity.