Prognostic significance of extent of nodal involvement in stage D1 prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy.

The records of 107 patients with newly diagnosed adenocarcinoma of the prostate irradiated with curative intent at Duke University Medical Center from 1970 through 1983 were reviewed. Forty patients (37%) underwent standard bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) prior to beginning irradiation. Twenty-four patients (22%) were found to have pelvic nodal metastases (Stage D1). Those found to have a single microscopically positive node at PLND may be curable with irradiation. In contrast, those with more extensive nodal metastases appear to be incurable with radiotherapy. Additional studies are needed to confirm or refute these findings.