ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the clinical value of cryoablation technology in the treatment of patients with primary tumor recurrence after radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer.Methods:The clinical data of 21 patients with prostate cancer recurrence after radical radiotherapy in the Fudan University Affiliated Cancer Hospital from August 2017 to February 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. The average age was 73.1 (57.3-85.0) years old, and the Gleason score was 6 in 5 cases, 7 in 8 cases, and ≥8 in 8 cases. The clinical stage of the first diagnosis: 13 cases of cT 2 stage; 8 cases of cT 3 stage. The baseline PSA before radiotherapy was 35.3 (6.4-78.5) ng/ml, and the lowest PSA after radiotherapy was 1.8 ng/ml. After a median follow-up of 8 (3-12) months, all patients were detected with persistently elevated PSA. Pelvic MRI and PSMA SPECT showed that the primary prostate lesion had recurred. PSA before cryoablation was 4.1 (1.8-14.4) ng/ml. Comprehensive assessment of preoperative examination showed that the patient only had a recurrence of the primary tumor, and no lymph node or distant metastasis was seen. An argon-helium cryogenic surgical treatment system was used to place 1 to 3 cryo-needles for recurring lesions, and cryoablation was performed using two cold and hot cycles. Observation indicators include prognostic indicators such as PSA, recurrence and metastasis, and the occurrence of adverse reactions. Results:Complications after cryoablation include: 2 cases of urinary retention, 1 case of urinary tract infection, and 2 cases of urination with tissue shedding. The PSA of 11 cases decreased rapidly 2 to 3 months after operation, and dropped to the lowest median value of 0.4 (0.003 to 2.8) ng/ml. After cryoablation, the median follow-up was 18 (6-51) months. Imaging examinations in 1 case showed that the prostate still had limited diffusion or increased PSMA uptake, and 4 cases had PSA progression but no recurrence or metastasis. The median recurrence time for advanced patients was 13 (4-36) months. Larger prostate volume ( P<0.001) and higher blood PSA before ablation( P=0.021) were related to biochemical recurrence. Conclusions:Prostate cryoablation could delay the progression of the primary tumor after radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer. The incidence of complications such as urinary retention and urinary tract infection is not high, and it is generally safe and controllable.