Targeted lymph node dissection at radiotracer-avid sites in recurrent prostate cancer: An early assessment of efficacy
INTRODUCTION
Prostate-specific radiotracers have enabled PET studies to accurately identify lymph nodes (LN) harboring metastasis. We seek to provide early assessment regarding the efficacy of targeted LN dissections in recurrence. Our objective was to quantify PSA response and characterize the durability of initial trends.
METHODS
A population of 230 receiving a PET/CT was queried for post-scan targeted LN dissections. Cases with false positive scans by histology or where PSA trend-confounding hormonal therapy was applied were excluded. 23 patient courses were identified where targeted LN dissection was performed, prostatic adenocarcinoma was confirmed by histology, and sufficient follow up data was present. PSA trends were characterized and durability assessed by three primary metrics: initial change as a percent of pre-dissection PSA, time to recurrence of 100% pre-dissection PSA, 12 month PSA recurrent rates with recurrence defined as > 0.04 or > 0.2 ng / mL.
RESULTS
19/23 achieved immediate down-trending PSA values confirmed by two results. 4/23 demonstrated a continued up-trend. 6/23 achieved immediately undetectable PSA (
CONCLUSION
Targeted LN dissection offers some potential for durable, recurrence-free survival. However, ≥100% pre-dissection PSA recurrence is common. Achieving and maintaining a stable PSA long term is possible but unlikely.
Funding: None