When is Elective Pelvic Lymph Node Irradiation Indicated in Definitive Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer?

Abstract

The objective is to define the role of elective pelvic node irradiation (EPNI) in patients treated with definitive radiotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Review of the pertinent literature revealed few prospective randomized trials that evaluated the efficacy of EPNI. Although EPNI may reduce the risk of regional recurrence, its impact on biochemical progression-free survival and overall survival is unclear. Depending on the extent of the radiotherapy fields, EPNI may result in a modest increase in acute toxicity and an even smaller increase in late toxicity. EPNI may reduce the risk of regional failure in patients with high-risk prostate cancer with a likelihood of lymph node positivity of ≥15%. Although it may result in improved biochemical progression-free survival, its impact is likely modest, at best. However, EPNI should be considered for patients with a high risk of regional disease.