[Role of radiotherapy in the treatment of localized prostatic carcinoma].

OBJECTIVES

Radical treatment for prostate cancer aims at complete eradication of tumor. Over the last 30 years, a vast literature has been published on the available therapeutic approaches for loco-regionally confined prostate cancer. There is no consensus on the appropriate management of either early stage or locally advanced disease and treatment is still given on the basis of physician preconception, training and instinct.

METHODS

The indications and results of postradical prostatectomy adjuvant pelvic radiation therapy and radical radiation therapy are reviewed.

RESULTS

Following radical prostatectomy, extracapsular disease, carrying a significant risk of local recurrence, is found from 12-68% of the time depending on the clinical tumor stage. External beam radiotherapy is a reference for treatment standards for prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

External irradiation remains the unquestioned standard for the treatment of locally advanced disease. For early stage disease, patients have the option of selecting radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy.