Transient PSA Elevations After Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Anurag K Singh, Peter Guion, Robert C Susil, Deborah E Citrin, Holly Ning, Robert W Miller, Karen Ullman, Sharon Smith, Nancy Sears Crouse, Denise J Godette, Bronwyn R Stall, C Norman Coleman, Kevin Camphausen, Cynthia Ménard
Primary Institution: Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH-DHHS
Hypothesis
What is the incidence of transient PSA elevations following external beam radiation therapy and HDR brachytherapy for prostate cancer?
Conclusion
Transient elevations in PSA following combined external beam radiation and HDR brachytherapy for prostate cancer are common and self-limited.
Supporting Evidence
- 55% of patients experienced transient PSA elevation based on definition 1.
- Median follow-up was 24 months.
- Transient PSA elevations were self-limited and should not trigger salvage therapies.
Takeaway
Some patients' PSA levels go up after treatment but then come back down on their own, so doctors shouldn't rush to give more treatment right away.
Methodology
Eleven patients with intermediate-risk and high-risk localized prostate cancer received MRI guided HDR brachytherapy followed by external beam radiotherapy, and PSA levels were monitored.
Limitations
The small sample size and brief follow-up limit the ability to draw broader conclusions.
Participant Demographics
Patients had intermediate- and high-risk localized prostate cancer, with varying Gleason scores and treatment histories.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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