European Association of Urology Biochemical Recurrence Risk Classification as a Decision Tool for Salvage Radiotherapy—A Multicenter Study

Abstract

BackgroundThe European Association of Urology (EAU) has proposed a risk stratification for patients harboring biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP). ObjectiveTo assess whether this risk stratification helps in choosing patients for salvage radiotherapy (SRT). Design, setting, and participantsAnalyses of 2379 patients who developed BCR after RP (1989–2020), within ten European high-volume centers, were conducted. Early and late SRT were defined as SRT delivered at prostate-specific antigen values <0.5 and ≥0.5 ng/ml, respectively. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisMultivariable Cox models tested the effect of SRT versus no SRT on death and cancer-specific death. The Simon-Makuch method tested for survival differences within each risk group. Results and limitationsOverall, 805 and 1574 patients were classified as having EAU low- and high-risk BCR. The median follow-up was 54 mo after BCR for survivors. For low-risk BCR, 12-yr overall survival was 87% versus 78% (p = 0.2) and cancer-specific survival was 100% versus 96% (p = 0.2) for early versus no SRT. For high-risk BCR, 12-yr overall survival was 81% versus 66% (p < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival was 98% versus 82% (p < 0.001) for early versus no SRT. In multivariable analyses, early SRT decreased the risk for death (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.55, p < 0.01) and cancer-specific death (HR: 0.08, p < 0.001). Late SRT was a predictor of cancer-specific death (HR: 0.17, p < 0.01) but not death (p = 0.1). ConclusionsImproved survival was recorded within the high-risk BCR group for patients treated with early SRT compared with those under observation. Our results suggest recommending early SRT for high-risk BCR men. Conversely, surveillance might be suitable for low-risk BCR, since only nine patients with low-risk BCR died from prostate cancer during follow-up. Patient summaryThe impact of salvage radiotherapy (SRT) on cancer-specific outcomes stratified according to the European Association of Urology biochemical recurrence (BCR) risk classification was assessed. While men with high-risk BCR should be offered SRT, surveillance might be a suitable option for those with low-risk BCR.