Objectives: To evaluate the first results of salvage radiotherapy after high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in terms of feasibility, tolerance, and oncologic control.
Methods: From March 1995 to May 2004, 45 patients presenting with local failure after HIFU underwent salvage radiotherapy alone (n = 32) or combined with hormonal therapy (n = 13). The modalities of radiotherapy are described. Tolerance was evaluated using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group score for urinary and digestive side effects, and incontinence was evaluated using the Ingelman Sundberg score. Patients answered a questionnaire. For the 32 patients who underwent radiotherapy alone, the oncologic early results were given by the disease-free survival rate, defined as no biochemical progression and no androgen suppression therapy.
Results: The median and mean follow-up were 40 and 46 months, respectively, for the whole series. No additional digestive or urinary toxicity developed with salvage radiotherapy after HIFU. The data from 32 patients were evaluated, with a median follow-up of 37 months after radiotherapy. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 64% for the 32 patients evaluated. The 5-year disease-free survival rate reached 80% for patients treated for positive biopsy findings and was 44% for those with isolated biochemical failure.
Conclusions: Salvage radiotherapy after HIFU for local recurrence is feasible, with no additional toxicity. The early oncologic results are encouraging when isolated local recurrence is proven but longer follow-up is needed.