Therapeutic options in patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (Review)

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in men in Europe. The primary treatment of this type of cancer is radical prostatectomy, which has shown good oncological results. Radical prostatectomy (open, laparoscopic or robotic) has high success and low morbidity rates in patients with localized prostate cancer. The life expectancy is >10 years after radical prostatectomy. Studies have shown that ~20%-30% of the patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy can develop biochemical recurrence, which is monitored by using the value of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). In some cases (patients with high-risk prostate cancer), adjuvant therapy after radical prostatectomy, such as radiotherapy or androgen deprivation therapy, can significantly reduce the risk of biochemical recurrence. The optimal management of recurrent disease remains uncertain. Recent literature was systematically reviewed regarding the management of biochemical recurrence and to compare clinical experience in literature studies.