Median 4-year outcomes of salvage IRE for radio-recurrent prostate cancer.

What is it about?

This study evaluates the safety, oncological outcomes, and quality of life of focal irreversible electroporation (IRE) for radio-recurrent prostate cancer. A total of 74 men with biopsy-proven radio-recurrent prostate cancer were treated with IRE between December 2013 and February 2022, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Follow-up included magnetic resonance imaging and template biopsies. The study found that focal IRE can achieve oncological control in patients with radio-recurrent prostate cancer, with a 77% local control rate and a 5-year progression-free survival rate of 60%. The study also found that the use of post-procedural neurovascular bundle blockade with lidocaine reduced immediate postoperative pain complaints. The study is the largest salvage IRE for prostate cancer series to date, with its largely prospectively performed and standardized oncological follow-up.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it evaluates the safety, oncological outcomes, and quality of life of men with radio-recurrent prostate cancer who underwent focal irreversible electroporation (IRE). It provides valuable insights into the short to mid-term outcomes of this minimally invasive treatment option for recurrent prostate cancer. This study endorses the results from smaller series and shows the ability of salvage focal IRE to safely achieve oncological control in patients with radio-recurrent PCa. Key Takeaways: 1. Focal irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a safe and effective treatment option for radio-recurrent prostate cancer, with promising oncological control and acceptable safety profile after a median follow-up of 48 months. 2. The study found that 77% of patients achieved local control, and 60% had a 5-year progression-free survival rate. 3. The most common adverse events were urethral sloughing (9%) and rectal fistula (1.4%), which were attributed to undesired thermal effects. 4. This research emphasizes the importance of patient selection and the role of imaging methods in detecting local recurrence. 5. Further research is needed to identify potential risk factors for adverse events and to improve the accuracy of imaging methods for detecting local recurrence.