Whole-gland ablation therapy versus active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer: a prospective study

Introduction: The objective of this study is assess the outcomes of whole-gland ablation (high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryotherapy and brachytherapy) and active surveillance (AS) in patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa).

Material and methods: This prospective non-randomised study included 155 patients with low-risk PCa managed with either ablative therapy or AS. Follow-up included mpMRI, biopsies, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), quality of life and complications for up to 24 months. The primary endpoint was cancer progression. The secondary endpoint was the impact of each treatment on the quality of life.

Results: Mean total preoperative PSA was 8.8 ±1.5 ng/ml. Of 155 patients, 125 received treatment: 45 - HIFU; 45 - cryoablation; 35 - brachytherapy. Thirty were under AS. Mean nadir PSA levels were 0.64 ±0.55 ng/ml for HIFU, 0.53 ±0.38 ng/ml for cryoablation and 0.48 ±0.34 ng/ml for brachytherapy. In the AS group, mean PSA was 9.9 ±3.8 ng/ml. Biochemical relapse-free survival rates at 24 months were 81.8% for HIFU, 85% for cryoablation, 93.9% for brachytherapy and 93.3% for AS. In only one HIFU patient relapse was not confirmed on biopsy. Increased anxiety was found in up to 6.7% after treatment and in 36.7% of patients undergoing AS. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no statistical differences between the techniques.

Conclusions: Whole-gland ablative therapy can be considered a viable treatment modality for carefully selected patients with low-risk PCa who are reluctant to select AS due to anxiety.