The informative value of preoperative prostate-specific antigen in determination of the likelihood of recurrent prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Materials and Methods. The results of examination and treatment of 163 males who had undergone radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy for clinically locally advanced prostate cancer (PC) (T1aN0M0-to-cT2bN0M0) were studied. The patients’ mean age was 63.5 years and ranged from 41 to 74 years. After RRP, the duration of a follow-up averaged 46.6±2.7 months and ranged from 24 to 81 months. Digital rectal study, determination of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and its density, transrectal multifocal prostate biopsy under ultrasound guidance, and, if required (PSA more than 20 ng/ml or a total of above 7 Glisson scores), computed tomography and scintigraphy of skeletal bones were performed in all the patients. The postoperative examination involved postmortem examination and measurement of serum PSA levels over time.

Results. The study has revealed that there is an clear tendency for an increase in the frequency of other poor signs with elevated preoperative PSA levels.

Conclusion. The findings have indicated that there is a direct and statistically significant correlation between the preoperative values of total PSA, its density, and the possible outcomes of RRP.