Laser Treatment of Prostatic Carcinoma – Preliminary Results

Abstract

Background: When therapy refusal or contraindication against radical prostatectomy exists, alternatives for the treatment of localized prostatic carcinoma should be considered. In this case, an extensive transurethral resection of the prostate should be performed in order to reduce the tumor mass. This is to be followed by ND:YAG laser coagulation and anti-androgenic therapy. Due to this treatment showing a penetration of 3-4 mm depth the remaining carcinoma cells in the prostate capsule will be destroyed. Patients: From 11/87 to 12/91 follow-up therapy was applied to 13 patients (10/T1, 2/T2,1/T3). Results: One patient died of a local progression, another one without any identifiable advancing tumor growth. The remaining 11 patients are symptom-free. Conclusion: Laser coagulation of the removed prostate is a possible alternative treatment of the localized prostatic carcinoma if therapeutical access is impeded either by therapy refusal or by manifest contraindications.