EAUProstate Cancer 2019

EAU - EANM -
ESTRO - ESUR - SIOG

Guidelines on
Prostate Cancer
N. Mottet (Chair), R.C.N. van den Bergh,
E. Briers (Patient Representative), P. Cornford (Vice-chair),
M. De Santis, S. Fanti, S. Gillessen, J. Grummet, A.M. Henry,
T.B. Lam, M.D. Mason, T.H. van der Kwast, H.G. van der Poel,
O. Rouvière, D. Tilki, T. Wiegel
Guidelines Associates: T. Van den Broeck, M. Cumberbatch,
N. Fossati, T. Gross, M. Lardas, M. Liew, L. Moris, I.G. Schoots,
P-P.M. Willemse
© European Association of Urology 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION 9
1.1 Aims and scope 9
1.2 Panel composition 9
1.2.1 Acknowledgement 9
1.3 Available publications 9
1.4 Publication history and summary of changes 9
1.4.1 Publication history 9
1.4.2 Summary of changes 9
2. METHODS 12
2.1 Data identification 12
2.2 Review 13
2.3 Future goals 13
3. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND AETIOLOGY 13

3.1 Epidemiology 13
3.2 Aetiology 14
3.2.1 Family history / genetics 14
3.2.2 Risk factors 14
3.2.2.1 Metabolic syndrome 14
3.2.2.1.1 Diabetes/metformin 14
3.2.2.1.2 Cholesterol/statins 14
3.2.2.1.3 Obesity 14
3.2.2.2 Dietary factors 14
3.2.2.3 Hormonally active medication 15
3.2.2.3.1 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors 15
3.2.2.3.2 Testosterone 15
3.2.2.4 Other potential risk factors 15
3.2.3 Summary of evidence and guidelines for epidemiology and aetiology 16
4. CLASSIFICATION AND STAGING SYSTEMS 16

4.1 Classification 16
4.2 Gleason score and International Society of Urological Pathology 2014 grade 17
4.3 Prognostic relevance of stratification 17
5. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION 18
5.1 Screening and early detection 18
5.1.1 Screening 18
5.1.2 Early detection 19
5.1.3 Guidelines for screening and early detection 20
5.2 Clinical diagnosis 20
5.2.1 Digital rectal examination 20
5.2.2 Prostate-specific antigen 20
5.2.2.1 PSA density 20
5.2.2.2 PSA velocity and doubling time 21
5.2.2.3 Free/total PSA ratio 21
5.2.2.4 Additional serum testing 21
5.2.2.5 Urine tests: PCA3 marker/SelectMDX/Mi Prostate score
(MiPS)/ExoDX 21
5.2.2.6 Guidelines for risk-assessment of asymptomatic men 22
5.2.3 Baseline biopsy 22
5.2.4 The role of imaging in clinical diagnosis 22
5.2.4.1 Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and ultrasound-based techniques 22
5.2.4.2 Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) 22
5.2.4.2.1 mpMRI performance in detecting ISUP grade > 2 PCa 22
5.2.4.2.2 mpMRI performance in detecting ISUP grade
group 1 PCa 22
5.2.4.2.3 Does MRI-TBx improve the detection of ISUP grade
> 2 as compared to systematic biopsy? 23
2 PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019

5.2.4.2.4 Does MRI-TBx reduce the detection of ISUP
grade 1 PCa as compared to systematic biopsy? 23
5.2.4.2.5 The added value of systematic and targeted biopsy 23
5.2.4.2.6 Number of biopsy procedures potentially avoided in
the ‘MR pathway’ 24
5.2.4.2.7 Other considerations 24
5.2.4.2.7.1 mpMRI reproducibility 24
5.2.4.2.7.2 Targeted biopsy accuracy and
reproducibility 24
5.2.4.2.7.3 Role of risk-stratification 25
5.2.4.3 Summary of evidence and practical considerations on
pre-biopsy mpMRI 25
5.2.4.4 Summary of evidence and guidelines for imaging 25
5.2.5 Repeat biopsy 26
5.2.5.1 Repeat biopsy after previously negative biopsy 26
5.2.5.1.1 Tests to select men for a repeat biopsy 26
5.2.5.2 Saturation biopsy 26
5.2.6 Prostate biopsy procedure 27
5.2.6.1 Sampling sites and number of cores 27
5.2.6.2 Antibiotics prior to biopsy 27
5.2.6.3 Local anaesthesia prior to biopsy 27
5.2.6.4 Complications 27
5.2.6.5 Seminal vesicle biopsy 27
5.2.6.6 Transition zone biopsy 27
5.2.6.7 Fine-needle aspiration biopsy 28
5.2.7 Pathology of prostate needle biopsies 28
5.2.7.1 Processing 28
5.2.7.2 Microscopy and reporting 28
5.2.7.3 Tissue-based prognostic biomarker testing 29
5.2.7.4 Histopathology of radical prostatectomy specimens 29
5.2.7.4.1 Processing of radical prostatectomy specimens 29
5.2.7.4.1.1 Guidelines for processing prostatectomy
specimens 29
5.2.7.4.2 Radical prostatectomy specimen report 29
5.2.7.4.3 ISUP grade in prostatectomy specimens 30
5.2.7.4.4 Definition of extraprostatic extension 30
5.2.7.4.5 PCa volume 31
5.2.7.4.6 Surgical margin status 31
5.2.8 Guidelines for the clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer 31
5.3 Diagnosis – Clinical Staging 31
5.3.1 T-staging 31
5.3.1.1 TRUS 31
5.3.1.2 mpMRI 32
5.3.2 N-staging 32
5.3.2.1 Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging 32
5.3.2.2 Choline PET/CT 32
5.3.2.3 Prostate-specific membrane antigen-based PET/CT 32
5.3.3 M-staging 33
5.3.3.1 Bone scan 33
5.3.3.2 Fluoride PET and PET/CT, choline PET/CT and MRI 33
5.3.3.3 Prostate-specific membrane antigen-based PET/CT 33
5.3.4 Summary of evidence and practical considerations on initial N/M staging 34
5.3.5 Guidelines for staging of prostate cancer 34
5.4 Evaluating life expectancy and health status 34
5.4.1 Introduction 34
5.4.2 Life expectancy 34
5.4.3 Health status screening 35
5.4.3.1 Comorbidity 35
5.4.3.2 Nutritional status 35
5.4.3.3 Cognitive function 35
5.4.3.4 Physical function 35
PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019 3

5.4.4 Conclusion 36
5.4.5 Guidelines for evaluating health status and life expectancy 38
6. TREATMENT 38
6.1 Treatment modalities 38
6.1.1 Deferred treatment (active surveillance/watchful waiting) 38
6.1.1.1 Definitions 38
6.1.1.2 Active surveillance 39
6.1.1.3 Watchful Waiting 39
6.1.1.3.1 Introduction 39
6.1.1.3.2 Outcome of watchful waiting compared with
active treatment 39
6.1.1.4 The ProtecT study 40
6.1.2 Radical prostatectomy 40
6.1.2.1 Surgical techniques 41
6.1.2.1.1 Pelvic lymph node dissection 41
6.1.2.1.2 Sentinel node biopsy analysis 41
6.1.2.1.3 Nerve-sparing surgery 41
6.1.2.1.4 Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy 41
6.1.2.1.5 Lymph-node-positive patients during radical
prostatectomy 42
6.1.2.2 Comparing effectiveness of radical prostatectomy vs. other
interventions for localised disease 42
6.1.2.2.1 Radical prostatectomy vs. deferred treatment 42
6.1.2.2.2 Radical prostatectomy vs. radiotherapy 42
6.1.2.3 Acute complications of surgery 42
6.1.2.3.1 Early complications of extended lymph node dissection 43
6.1.3 Radiotherapy 43
6.1.3.1 External Beam Radiation Therapy: 43
6.1.3.1.1 Technical aspects: intensity-modulated external-beam
radiotherapy and volumetric arc external-beam
radiotherapy 43
6.1.3.1.2 Dose escalation 43
6.1.3.1.3 Hypofractionation 44
6.1.3.1.4 Neoadjuvant or adjuvant hormone therapy plus
radiotherapy 46
6.1.3.1.5 Combined dose-escalated radiotherapy and androgen-
deprivation therapy 47
6.1.3.2 Proton beam therapy 48
6.1.3.3 Brachytherapy 48
6.1.3.3.1 Low-dose rate brachytherapy 48
6.1.3.3.2 High-dose rate brachytherapy 48
6.1.3.4 Acute side-effects of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy 49
6.1.4 Hormonal therapy 49
6.1.4.1 Introduction 49
6.1.4.1.1 Different types of hormonal therapy 49
6.1.4.1.1.1 Testosterone-lowering therapy (castration) 49
6.1.4.1.1.1.1 Castration level 49
6.1.4.1.1.1.2 Bilateral orchiectomy 49
6.1.4.1.1.2 Oestrogens 49
6.1.4.1.1.3 Luteinising-hormone-releasing hormone
agonists 50
6.1.4.1.1.4 Luteinising-hormone-releasing hormone
antagonists 50
6.1.4.1.1.5 Anti-androgens 50
6.1.4.1.1.5.1 Steroidal anti-androgens 50
6.1.4.1.1.5.1.1 Cyproterone acetate 50
6.1.4.1.1.5.2 Non-steroidal anti-androgens 50
6.1.4.1.1.5.2.1 Nilutamide 51
6.1.4.1.1.5.2.2 Flutamide 51
6.1.4.1.1.5.2.3 Bicalutamide 51

6.1.4.1.1.6 New compounds 51
6.1.4.1.1.6.1 Abiraterone acetate 51
6.1.4.1.1.6.2 Enzalutamide 51
6.1.4.1.1.6.3 Apalutamide 51
6.1.5 Investigational therapies 51
6.1.5.1 Background 51
6.1.5.2 Cryotherapy 51
6.1.5.3 High-intensity focused ultrasound 52
6.1.5.4 Focal therapy 52
6.1.6 General guidelines for active treatment 53
6.1.7 Discussing treatment options 53
6.2 Treatment by disease stages 53
6.2.1 Treatment of low-risk disease 53
6.2.1.1 Active surveillance 53
6.2.1.1.1 Selection criteria for active survillance based on clinical
and pathological variables 53
6.2.1.1.2 Biological markers 53
6.2.1.1.3 Imaging for treatment selection 54
6.2.1.1.3.1 mpMRI in men eligible for active surveillance
based on systematic biopsy findings only 54
6.2.1.1.3.1.1 Reduction of systematic biopsies in
MRI-negative men on active
surveillance. 54
6.2.1.1.3.1.2 Multivariate risk prediction at
confirmatory biopsy 54
6.2.1.1.3.2 Follow-up mpMRI in men eligible for active
surveillance based on mpMRI and systematic
and targeted-biopsy findings 54
6.2.1.1.3.3 Guidelines for imaging in men on
active surveillance 55
6.2.1.1.4 Follow up 55
6.2.1.1.5 Switching to active treatment 55
6.2.1.2 Active treatment 55
6.2.1.2.1 Radical prostatectomy 55
6.2.1.2.2 Radiation therapy treatment policy 56
6.2.1.3 Other treatments 56
6.2.1.4 Guidelines for the treatment of low-risk disease 56
6.2.2 Treatment of Intermediate-risk disease 56
6.2.2.1 Active Surveillance 56
6.2.2.2 Surgery 57
6.2.2.3 Radiation therapy 57
6.2.2.3.1 Recommended external beam radiation therapy for
intermediate-risk PCa 57
6.2.2.3.2 Brachytherapy monotherapy 57
6.2.2.4 Other options for the primary treatment of intermediate-risk PCa
(experimental therapies) 57
6.2.2.5 Guidelines for the treatment of intermediate-risk disease 58
6.2.3 Treatment of high-risk localised disease 58
6.2.3.1 Radical prostatectomy 58
6.2.3.1.1 ISUP grade 4-5 58
6.2.3.1.2 Prostate-specific antigen > 20 ng/mL 58
6.2.3.1.3 Radical prostatectomy in cN0 patients who are found to
have pathologically confirmed lymph node invasion (pN1) 58
6.2.3.2 External beam radiation therapy 59
6.2.3.2.1 Recommended external beam radiation therapy
treatment policy for localised high-risk PCa 59
6.2.3.2.2 Lymph node irradiation in cN0 59
6.2.3.2.3 Low-dose rate brachytherapy boost 59
6.2.3.3 Options other than surgery and radiotherapy for the primary
treatment of localised prostate cancer. 59
6.2.3.4 Guidelines for radical treatment of high-risk localised disease 59

6.2.4 Treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer 59
6.2.4.1 Surgery 60
6.2.4.2 Radiotherapy for locally advanced PCa 60
6.2.4.3 Options other than surgery and radiotherapy for primary treatment 60
6.2.4.4 Guidelines for radical treatment of locally-advanced disease 60
6.2.5 Adjuvant treatment after radical prostatectomy 61
6.2.5.2 Risk factors for relapse 61
6.2.5.3 Immediate (adjuvant) post-operative external irradiation after
RP (cN0 or pN0) 61
6.2.5.4 Adjuvant androgen ablation 61
6.2.5.4.1 Adjuvant androgen ablation in men with N0 disease 61
6.2.5.4.2 Adjuvant androgen ablation in men with pN1 disease 62
6.2.5.5 Adjuvant radiotherapy combined with ADT in men with pN1 disease 62
6.2.5.6 Adjuvant chemotherapy 62
6.2.5.7 Guidelines for adjuvant treatment options after radical prostatectomy 62
6.2.5.8 Guidelines for non-curative or palliative treatments in prostate cancer 63
6.2.6 Persistent PSA after radical prostatectomy 63
6.2.6.2 Natural history of persistently elevated PSA after RP 63
6.2.6.3 Imaging in patients with persistently elevated PSA after RP 65
6.2.6.4 Impact of post-operative RT and/or ADT in patients with
persistent PSA 65
6.2.6.5 Conclusion 65
6.2.6.6 Recommendations for the management of persistent PSA after
radical prostatectomy 65
6.3 Management of PSA-only recurrence after treatment with curative intent 66
6.3.1 Background 66
6.3.2 Definitions of clinically relevant PSA relapse 66
6.3.3 Natural history of biochemical recurrence 66
6.3.4 The role of imaging in PSA-only recurrence 67
6.3.4.1 Assessment of metastases 67
6.3.4.1.1 Bone scan and abdominopelvic CT 67
6.3.4.1.2 Choline PET/CT 67
6.3.4.1.3 Fluoride PET and PET/CT 67
6.3.4.1.4 Fluciclovine PET/CT 67
6.3.4.1.5 Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission
tomography computed tomography 67
6.3.4.1.6 Whole-body and axial MRI 68
6.3.4.2 Assessment of local recurrences 68
6.3.4.2.1 Local recurrence after radical prostatectomy 68
6.3.4.2.2 Local recurrence after radiation therapy 68
6.3.4.3 Summary of evidence on imaging in case of biochemical recurrence 68
6.3.4.4 Guidelines for imaging in patients with biochemical recurrence 69
6.3.5 Treatment of PSA-only recurrences 69
6.3.5.1 Salvage radiotherapy for PSA-only recurrence after radical
prostatectomy 69
6.3.5.1.1 Target volume, dose, toxicity 71
6.3.5.1.2 Comparison of adjuvant radiotherapy and salvage
radiotherapy 72
6.3.5.1.3 Management of PSA failures after radiation therapy 72
6.3.5.2 Salvage radical prostatectomy 73
6.3.5.2.1 Oncological outcomes 73
6.3.5.2.2 Morbidity 73
6.3.5.2.3 Summary of salvage radical prostatectomy 74
6.3.5.3 Salvage cryoablation of the prostate 74
6.3.5.3.3 Summary of salvage cryoablation of the prostate 74
6.3.5.4 Salvage brachytherapy for radiotherapy failure 75
6.3.5.5 Salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound 75

6.3.5.5.3 Summary of salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound 75
6.3.6 Salvage lymph node dissection 75
6.3.8 Observation 76
6.3.9 Guidelines for second-line therapy after treatment with curative intent 76
6.4 Treatment: Metastatic prostate cancer 77
6.4.2 Prognostic factors 77
6.4.3 First-line hormonal treatment 77
6.4.3.1 Non-steroidal anti-androgen monotherapy 77
6.4.3.2 Intermittent versus continuous androgen deprivation therapy 77
6.4.3.3 Immediate versus deferred androgen deprivation therapy 78
6.4.4 Combination therapies 78
6.4.4.1 Complete androgen blockade 78
6.4.4.2 Androgen deprivation combined with other agents 79
6.4.4.2.1 Combination with abiraterone acetate 79
6.4.4.2.2 Androgen deprivation therapy combined with
chemotherapy 79
6.4.5 Treatment selection and patient selection 80
6.4.6 Deferred treatment for metastatic PCa (stage M1) 81
6.4.7 Treatment of the primary tumour in newly diagnosed metastatic disease 81
6.4.8 Metastasis-directed therapy 81
6.4.9 Guidelines for the first-line treatment of metastatic disease 82
6.5 Treatment: Castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) 82
6.5.1 Definition of Castration-resistant PCa 82
6.5.2 Non-metastatic castration-resistant PCa 82
6.5.3 Metastatic castration-resistant PCa 83
6.5.3.1 Conventional androgen deprivation in castration-resistant PCa 83
6.5.4 First-line treatment of metastatic castration-resistant PCa 84
6.5.4.1 Abiraterone 84
6.5.4.2 Enzalutamide 84
6.5.4.3 Docetaxel 84
6.5.4.4 Sipuleucel-T 85
6.5.5 Second-line treatment for mCRPC 85
6.5.5.1 Cabazitaxel 85
6.5.5.2 Abiraterone acetate after prior docetaxel 86
6.5.5.3 Enzalutamide after docetaxel 86
6.5.5.4 Radium-223 86
6.5.6 Treatment after docetaxel and one line of hormonal treatment for mCRPC 86
6.5.7 Monitoring of treatment 87
6.5.8 When to change treatment 87
6.5.9 Symptomatic management in metastatic castration-resistant PCa 87
6.5.9.1 Common complications due to bone metastases 87
6.5.10 Preventing skeletal-related events 88
6.5.10.1 Bisphosphonates 88
6.5.10.2 RANK ligand inhibitors 88
6.5.11 Summary of evidence and guidelines for life-prolonging treatments of
castrate-resistant disease 88
6.5.12 Guidelines for cytotoxic treatment of castrate-resistant disease 89
6.5.13 Guidelines for supportive care of castrate-resistant disease 89
6.5.14 Guidelines for non-metastatic castrate-resistant disease 89
6.6 Summary of guidelines for the treatment of prostate cancer 89
6.6.1 General guidelines recommendations for active treatment 90
6.6.2 Guidelines recommendations for the various disease stages 90
6.6.3 Guidelines for metastatic disease, second-line and palliative treatments 92
7. FOLLOW-UP 94
7.1 Follow-up: After local treatment 94
7.1.1 Definition 94

7.1.2 Why follow-up? 94
7.1.3 How to follow-up? 94
7.1.3.1 Prostate-specific antigen monitoring 94
7.1.3.2 Prostate-specific antigen monitoring after radical prostatectomy 94
7.1.3.3 Prostate-specific antigen monitoring after radiotherapy 95
7.1.3.4 Digital rectal examination 95
7.1.3.5 Transrectal ultrasound, bone scintigraphy, computed tomography,
magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography
computed tomography 95
7.1.3.5.1 Transrectal ultrasonography/magnetic resonance
imaging guided biopsy. 95
7.1.4 How long to follow-up? 95
7.1.5 Summary of evidence and guidelines for follow-up after treatment with
curative intent 95
7.2 Follow-up: during first line hormonal treatment (androgen sensitive period) 96
7.2.2 Purpose of follow-up 96
7.2.3 Methods of follow-up 96
7.2.3.1 Clinical follow-up 96
7.2.3.1.1 Prostate-specific antigen monitoring 96
7.2.3.1.2 Creatinine, haemoglobin and liver function monitoring 96
7.2.3.1.3 Imaging 96
7.2.3.1.4 Testosterone monitoring 96
7.2.3.1.5 Monitoring of metabolic complications 97
7.2.4 When to follow-up 97
7.2.4.1 Stage M0 - M1 patients 97
7.2.5 Imaging as a marker of response in metastatic prostate cancer 97
7.2.6 Guidelines for follow-up during hormonal treatment 98
8. QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES IN PROSTATE CANCER 98

8.1 Introduction 98
8.2 Adverse effects of prostate cancer therapies 98
8.2.1 Surgery 98
8.2.2 Radiotherapy 99
8.2.2.1 Side-effects of external beam radiotherapy 99
8.2.2.2 Side-effects from brachytherapy 99
8.2.3 Local primary whole-gland treatments other than surgery or radiotherapy 99
8.2.3.1 Cryosurgery 99
8.2.3.2 High-intensity focused ultrasound 99
8.2.4.1 Sexual function 100
8.2.4.2 Hot flushes 100
8.2.4.3 Non-metastatic bone fractures 100
8.2.4.3.1 Hormonal treatment modalities 100
8.2.4.4 Metabolic effects 100
8.2.4.5 Cardiovascular morbidity 101
8.2.4.6 Fatigue 101
8.2.4.7 Neurological side-effects 101
8.3 Overall quality of life in men with prostate cancer 101
8.3.1 Long-term (> 12 months) quality of life outcomes in men with localised disease 102
8.3.1.1 Men undergoing local treatments 102
8.3.1.2 Guidelines for quality of life in men undergoing local treatments 103
8.3.2 Improving quality of life in men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer 103
8.3.2.1 Guidelines for quality of life in men undergoing systemic treatments 104
9. REFERENCES 104
10. CONFLICT OF INTEREST 160
11. CITATION INFORMATION 161

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Aims and scope
The Prostate Cancer (PCa) Guidelines Panel have prepared this guidelines document to assist medical
professionals in the evidence-based management of PCa.
It must be emphasised that clinical guidelines present the best evidence available to the experts
but following guideline recommendations will not necessarily result in the best outcome. Guidelines can never
replace clinical expertise when making treatment decisions for individual patients, but rather help to focus
decisions - also taking personal values and preferences/individual circumstances of patients into account.
Guidelines are not mandates and do not purport to be a legal standard of care.
1.2 Panel composition

The PCa Guidelines Panel consists of an international multidisciplinary group of urologists, radiation
oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, a pathologist and a patient representative.
All imaging sections in the text have been developed jointly with the European Society of Urogenital Radiology
(ESUR) and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM). Representatives of the ESUR and the
EANM in the PCa Guidelines Panel are (in alphabetical order): Prof.Dr. S. Fanti, Prof.Dr. O Rouvière and
Dr. I.G. Schoots.
All radiotherapy sections have been developed jointly with the European Society for Radiotherapy
& Oncology (ESTRO). Representatives of ESTRO in the PCa Guidelines Panel are (in alphabetical order):
Prof.Dr. A.M. Henry, Prof.Dr. M.D. Mason and Prof.Dr. T. Wiegel.
All experts involved in the production of this document have submitted
potential conflict of interest statements which can be viewed on the EAU website Uroweb:
http://uroweb.org/guideline/prostatecancer/?type=panel.
1.2.1 Acknowledgement
The PCa Guidelines Panel gratefully acknowledges the assistance and general guidance provided by
Prof.Dr. M. Bolla, honorary member of the PCa Guidelines Panel.
1.3 Available publications

A quick reference document (Pocket guidelines) is available, both in print and as an app for iOS and Android
devices. These are abridged versions which may require consultation together with the full text version. Several
scientific publications are available [1, 2] as are a number of translations of all versions of the PCa Guidelines.
All documents can be accessed on the EAU website: http://uroweb.org/guideline/prostate-cancer/.
1.4 Publication history and summary of changes

1.4.1 Publication history
The EAU PCa Guidelines were first published in 2001. This 2019 document presents a full update of the 2018
PCa Guidelines publication.
1.4.2 Summary of changes

The literature for the complete document has been assessed and updated, where relevant. Evidence
summaries and recommendations have been amended throughout the current document and several new
sections have been added.
• Section 5.2.4 – The role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in clinical diagnosis,
has been completely revised, also including data from a recent Cochrane review [1]. As a result new
recommendations for imaging have been provided throughout these guidelines.
5.2.4.8 Summary of evidence and guidelines for diagnostic imaging
Summary of evidence LE
Systematic biopsy is an acceptable approach if mpMRI is unavailable. 3
Recommendations for all patients LE Strength rating

Do not use mpMRI as an initial screening tool. 3 Strong
Adhere to PI-RADS guidelines for mpMRI acquisition and interpretation. 3 Strong

Recommendations in biopsy-naïve patients LE Strength rating
Perform mpMRI before prostate biopsy. 1a Weak
When mpMRI is positive (i.e. PI-RADS > 3), combine targeted and 2a Strong
systematic biopsy.
When mpMRI is negative (i.e. PI-RADS < 2), and clinical suspicion of 2a Weak
prostate cancer is low, omit biopsy based on shared decision making with
the patient.
Recommendations in patients with prior negative biopsy LE Strength rating

Perform mpMRI before prostate biopsy. 1a Strong
When mpMRI is positive (i.e. PI-RADS > 3), perform targeted biopsy only. 2a Weak
When mpMRI is negative (i.e. PI-RADS < 2), and clinical suspicion of 2a Strong
prostate cancer is high, perform systematic biopsy based on shared
decision making with the patient.
5.3.5 Guidelines for staging of prostate cancer
Any risk group staging LE Strength rating

Use pre-biopsy mpMRI for staging information. 2a Weak
• The literature for Section 5.4 – Evaluation of health status and life expectancy, has been updated,
resulting in an additional recommendation.
5.4.5 Guidelines for evaluating health status and life expectancy
Recommendations Strength rating

Use individual life expectancy, health status, and comorbidity to guide PCa Strong
management.
• Due to the comprehensive revision of all imaging sections, recommendations for imaging for a number of
text sections have been changed, or added to.
6.2.1.1.3.3 Guidelines for imaging in men on active surveillance
Recommendations in men on active surveillance LE Strength rating

Perform multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging before a confirmatory 1a Strong
prostate biopsy, if not done before the first biopsy.
Perform the combination of targeted biopsy (of any PI-RADS > 3 lesion) and 2a Weak
systematic biopsy at confirmatory biopsy.
6.2.1.4 Guidelines for the treatment of low-risk disease

Active surveillance (AS)
Perform multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging before a confirmatory biopsy, Strong
if not done before the first biopsy.
Perform the combination of targeted biopsy (of any PI-RADS > 3 lesion) and Weak

6.2.2.5 Guidelines for the treatment of intermediate-risk disease

Radiotherapeutic treatment
For external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT), use a total dose of 76-78 Gy or Strong
moderate hypofractionation (60 Gy/20 fx in four weeks or 70 Gy/28 fx in six weeks),
in combination with short-term neoadjuvant plus concomitant androgen deprivation
therapy (ADT) (four to six months).
Other therapeutic options
Do not offer ADT monotherapy to intermediate-risk asymptomatic men unable to Strong
receive any local treatment.
• A new text Section 6.2.6 - Persistent PSA after radical prostatectomy, has been added.
6.2.6.6 Recommendations for the management of persistent PSA after radical prostatectomy

Offer a prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA Weak
PET) scan to men with a persistent PSA > 0.2 ng/mL to exclude metastatic disease.
Treat men with no evidence of metastatic disease with salvage radiotherapy and Weak
additional hormonal therapy.
6.3.4.4 Guidelines for imaging in patients with biochemical recurrence
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence after radical LE Strength

prostatectomy rating
Perform PSMA PET/CT if the PSA level is > 0.2 ng/mL and if the results will 2b Weak
influence subsequent treatment decisions.
In case PSMA PET/CT is not available, and the PSA level is > 1 ng/mL, Weak
perform Fluciclovine PET/CT or Choline PET/CT imaging if the results will
influence subsequent treatment decisions.
PSA recurrence after radiotherapy
Perform prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to localise 3 Strong
abnormal areas and guide biopsies in patients fit for local salvage therapy.
Perform PSMA PET/CT (if available) or fluciclovine PET/CT or choline PET/ 2b Strong
CT in patients fit for curative salvage treatment.
• Section 6.3 - Management of PSA-only recurrence after treatment with curative intent, has been
completely revised, introducing the concept of patient stratification into EAU low- and high-risk
recurrence groups based on the findings of a systematic review (SR). New recommendations have been
provided.
6.3.9 Guidelines for second-line therapy after treatment with curative intent
Local salvage treatment Strength rating

Recommendations for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Offer active surveillance and possibly delayed salvage radiotherapy (SRT) to patients Strong
with biochemical recurrence and classified as EAU low-risk group at relapse who
may not benefit from intervention.
Treat patients with a PSA rise from the undetectable range with SRT. Once the Strong
decision for SRT has been made, SRT (at least 66 Gy) should be given as soon as
possible.
Offer pN0 patients undergoing SRT hormonal therapy (with bicalutamide 150 mg for Weak
two years, or LHRH agonists for up to two years).
Do not offer hormonal therapy to every pN0 patient treated with SRT. Strong

• Based on the complete update of Section 6.4 - Metastatic prostate cancer, new recommendations have
been included.
6.4.9 Guidelines for the first-line treatment of metastatic disease

Offer surgery and/or local radiotherapy to any patient with M1 disease and evidence Strong
of impending complications such as spinal cord compression or pathological
fracture.
Offer castration combined with prostate radiotherapy to patients whose first Weak
presentation is M1 disease and who have low volume of disease by CHAARTED
criteria.
Offer castration alone, with or without an anti-androgen, to patients unfit for, or Strong
unwilling to consider, castration combined with docetaxel or abiraterone acetate
plus prednisone or prostate radiotherapy.
6.5.14 Guidelines for non-metastatic castrate-resistant disease
Recommendation Strength rating

Offer apalutamide or enzalutamide to patients with M0 CRPC and a high risk of Strong
developing metastasis (PSA-DT < 10 months) to prolong time to metastases.
8.3.2.1 Guidelines for quality of life in men undergoing systemic treatments

Advise men on androgen deprivation therapy to maintain a healthy weight and diet, Strong
to stop smoking and have yearly screening for diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.
Supplementation with vitamin D and calcium is advised.
Specific sections of the text have been updated based on SR questions prioritised by the Guidelines Panel.
These reviews were performed using standard Cochrane SR methodology;
http://www.cochranelibrary.com/about/about-cochrane-systematic-reviews.html:
• Section 6.3 - Management of PSA-only recurrence after treatment with curative intent [2].
2. METHODS
2.1 Data identification
For the 2019 PCa Guidelines, new and relevant evidence has been identified, collated and appraised through a
structured assessment of the literature.
A broad and comprehensive literature search, covering all sections of the PCa Guidelines was
performed. The search was limited to studies representing only high levels of evidence (i.e. SRs with meta-
analysis, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and prospective comparative studies) published in the English
language. Databases searched included Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Libraries, covering a time frame
between May 10th 2017 and May 2nd 2018. After deduplication, a total of 1,124 unique records were identified,
retrieved and screened for relevance. A total of 169 new publications were added to the 2019 PCa Guidelines.
Additional searches were done for the ‘imaging sections’ across the PCa Guidelines, addressing
all imaging modalities in use for the diagnosis and follow-up of prostate cancer patients. A total of 1,255 new
papers were identified and assessed. Detailed search strategies are available online:
http://uroweb.org/guideline/prostatecancer/?type=appendices-publications.
For each recommendation within the guidelines there is an accompanying online strength rating form, the basis
of which is a modified GRADE methodology [3, 4]. These forms address a number of key elements namely:

1. t he overall quality of the evidence which exists for the recommendation, references used in
this text are graded according to a classification system modified from the Oxford Centre for
Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence [5];
2. the magnitude of the effect (individual or combined effects);
3. the certainty of the results (precision, consistency, heterogeneity and other statistical or
study related factors);
4. the balance between desirable and undesirable outcomes;
5. the impact of patient values and preferences on the intervention;
6. the certainty of those patient values and preferences.
These key elements are the basis which panels use to define the strength rating of each recommendation.
The strength of each recommendation is represented by the words ‘strong’ or ‘weak’ [6]. The strength of each
recommendation is determined by the balance between desirable and undesirable consequences of alternative
management strategies, the quality of the evidence (including certainty of estimates), and nature and variability
of patient values and preferences. The strength rating forms will be available online.
Additional information can be found in the general Methodology section of this print, and online at
the EAU website; http://www.uroweb.org/guideline/.
A list of Associations endorsing the EAU Guidelines can also be viewed online at the above address.
In addition, the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), the European Society for Radiotherapy &
Oncology (ESTRO), the European Society for Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) and the European Association of
Nuclear Medicine (EANM) have endorsed the PCa Guidelines.
2.2 Review
Publications ensuing from SRs have all been peer-reviewed.
2.3 Future goals

Results of ongoing and new SRs will be included in the 2020 update of the PCa Guidelines:
• A SR of oncological effectiveness and harms of primary local interventions for high-risk localised and
locally advanced PCa [7];
• A SR on the deferred treatment with curative intent for localised PCa, explore heterogeneity of definitions,
thresholds and criteria [8];
• A SR on progression criteria and quality of life (QoL) of patients diagnosed with PCa;
• A SR on the definition and the prognostic value of PSA persistence after radical prostatectomy (RP)
for PCa;
• Care pathways for the various stages of PCa management are being developed. These pathways will, in
due time, inform treatment flowcharts and an interactive app.
3. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND AETIOLOGY

3.1 Epidemiology
Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with an estimated 1.1 million
diagnoses worldwide in 2012, accounting for 15% of all cancers diagnosed [9]. The frequency of autopsy-
detected PCa is roughly the same worldwide [10]. A SR of autopsy studies reported a prevalence of PCa at age
< 30 years of 5% (95% CI: 3-8%), increasing by an odds ratio (OR) of 1.7 (1.6-1.8) per decade, to a prevalence
of 59% (48-71%) by age > 79 years [11].
The incidence of PCa diagnosis varies widely between different geographical areas, being highest
in Australia/New Zealand and Northern America (age-standardised rates [ASR] per 100,000 of 111.6 and 97.2,
respectively), and in Western and Northern Europe (ASRs of 94.9 and 85, respectively), largely due to the use
of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and the aging population. The incidence is low in Eastern and South-
Central Asia (ASRs of 10.5 and 4.5, respectively), whilst rates in Eastern and Southern Europe, which were low,
have showed a steady increase [9, 10].
There is relatively less variation in mortality rates worldwide, although rates are generally high in
populations of African descent (Caribbean: ASR of 29 and Sub-Saharan Africa: ASRs ranging between 19 and
14), intermediate in the USA and very low in Asia (South-Central Asia: ASR of 2.9) [9].

3.2 Aetiology
3.2.1 Family history / genetics
Family history and racial/ethnic background are associated with an increased PCa incidence suggesting a
genetic predisposition [12, 13]. For men with relatives with PCa their age-specific increased risk of PCa can be
estimated. The probability of high-risk PCa at age 65 was 11.4% (vs. a population risk of 1.4%) in men whose
father and two brothers had been diagnosed with PCa in a Swedish population-based study [14]. Prostate-
specific antigen testing mainly inflates detection of, less relevant, any-risk PCa.
Only a small subpopulation of men with PCa (~9%) have true hereditary disease. This is defined as three or
more affected relatives or at least two relatives who have developed early-onset PCa (< 55 years) [13]. Men
with one first-degree relative diagnosed with PCa have a relative risk (RR) of 1.8 of having PCa, whereas men
with a father and brother or two brothers diagnosed with PCa have a RR of 5.51 and 7.71, respectively [15].
Hereditary PCa is associated with a six to seven year earlier disease onset but the disease aggressiveness and
clinical course does not seem to differ in other ways [13, 16]. Men of African descent show a higher incidence
of PCa and generally have a more aggressive course of disease [17].
Specific ancestry-specific risk loci have been identified [18]. Of the underlying determinants of
genomic diversity and mechanisms between genetic and environmental factors, much remains unknown.
Genome-wide association studies have identified more than 100 common susceptibility loci contributing to
the risk for PCa [19-21]. Furthermore, among men with metastatic PCa, an incidence of 11.8% was found
for germline mutations in genes mediating DNA-repair processes [22]. Germline mutations in genes such as
BRCA1/2 and HOXB13 have been associated with an increased risk of PCa and targeted genomic analysis
of these genes could offer options to identify families at high risk [23, 24]. Prostate cancer screening trials
targeting BRCA mutation carriers are ongoing [25]. BRCA mutation carriers were reported to have worse
outcome when compared to non-carriers after local therapy [26].
3.2.2 Risk factors

A wide variety of exogenous/environmental factors have been discussed as being associated with the risk
of developing PCa or as being aetiologically important for the progression from latent to clinical PCa [27].
Japanese men have a lower PCa risk compared to men from the Western world. However, as Japanese men
move from Japan to California, their risk of PCa increases, approaching that of American men, implying a
role of environmental or dietary factors [28]. However, currently there are no effective preventative dietary or
pharmacological interventions.
3.2.2.1 Metabolic syndrome (MetS)

The single components of MetS hypertension (p = 0.035) and waist circumference > 102 cm (p = 0.007) have
been associated with a significantly greater risk of PCa, but in contrast, having > 3 components of MetS is
associated with a reduced risk (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.60-0.82) [29, 30].
3.2.2.1.1 Diabetes/metformin
On a population level, metformin users (but not other oral hypoglycaemic agents) were found to be at a
decreased risk of PCa diagnosis compared with never-users (adjusted OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.74-0.96) [31].
In 540 diabetic participants of the Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) study,
metformin use was not significantly associated with PCa and therefore not advised as a preventive measure
(OR: 1.19, p = 0.50) [32]. The ongoing Systemic Therapy in Advancing or Metastatic Prostate Cancer:
Evaluation of Drug Efficacy (STAMPEDE) trial assesses metformin use in advanced PCa [33].
3.2.2.1.2 Cholesterol/statins
A meta-analysis of fourteen large prospective studies did not show an association between blood total
cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and the risk of either
overall PCa or high-grade PCa [34]. Results of the REDUCE study also did not show a preventive effect of
statins on PCa risk [32].
3.2.2.1.3 Obesity
Within the REDUCE study, obesity was associated with lower risk of low-grade PCa in multivariable analyses
(OR: 0.79, p = 0.01), but increased risk of high-grade PCa (OR: 1.28, p = 0.042) [35]. This effect seems mainly
explained by environmental determinants of height/body mass index (BMI) rather than genetically elevated
height or BMI [36].
3.2.2.2 Dietary factors

The association between a wide variety of dietary factors and PCa have been studied (Table 3.1).

Table 3.1: Dietary factors that have been associated with PCa
Alcohol High alcohol intake, but also total abstention from alcohol has been associated with
a higher risk of PCa and PCa-specific mortality [37]. A meta-analysis shows a dose-
response relationship with PCa [38].
Dairy A weak correlation between high intake of protein from dairy products and the risk of
PCa was found [39].
Fat No association between intake of long-chain omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids
and PCa was found [40]. A relation between intake of fried foods and risk of PCa may
exist [41].
Tomatoes A trend towards a favourable effect of tomato intake (mainly cooked) and lycopenes on
(lycopenes / PCa incidence has been identified in meta-analyses [42, 43]. Randomised controlled
carotenes) trials comparing lycopene with placebo did not identify a significant decrease in the
incidence of PCa [44].
Meat A meta-analysis did not show an association between red meat or processed meat
consumption and PCa [45].
Phytoestrogens Phytoestrogen intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk of PCa in a
meta-analysis [46].
Soy Total soy food intake has been associated with reduced risk of PCa, but also with
(phytoestrogens increased risk of advanced disease [47, 48].
(isoflavones /
coumestans))
Vitamin D A U-shaped association has been observed, with both low- and high vitamin-D
concentrations being associated with an increased risk of PCa, and more strongly for
high-grade disease [49, 50].
Vitamin E / An inverse association of blood, but mainly nail selenium levels (reflecting long-term
Selenium exposure) with aggressive PCa have been found [51, 52]. Selenium and Vitamin E
supplementation were, however, found not to affect PCa incidence [53].
3.2.2.3 Hormonally active medication

3.2.2.3.1 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs)
Although it seems that 5-ARIs have the potential of preventing or delaying the development of PCa (~25%, for
ISUP grade 1 cancer only), this must be weighed against treatment-related side-effects as well as the potential
small increased risk of high-grade PCa [54-56]. None of the available 5-ARIs have been approved by the
European Medicines Agency (EMA) for chemoprevention.
3.2.2.3.2 Testosterone
Hypogonadal men receiving testosterone supplements do not have an increased risk of PCa [57]. A pooled
analysis showed that men with very low concentrations of free testosterone (lowest 10%) have a below average
risk (OR: 0.77) of PCa [58].
3.2.2.4 Other potential risk factors

Balding was associated with a higher risk of PCa death [59]. Gonorrhoea was significantly associated with
an increased incidence of PCa (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.14-1.52) [60]. Occupational exposure may also play
a role, based on a meta-analysis which revealed that night-shift work is associated with an increased risk
(2.8%, p = 0.030) of PCa [61]. Current cigarette smoking was associated with an increased risk of PCa death
(relative risk [RR] 1.24; 95% CI: 1.18-1.31) [62]. A meta-analysis on Cadmium (Cd) found a positive association
(magnitude of risk unknown due to heterogeneity) between high Cd exposure and risk of PCa for occupational
exposure, but not for non-occupational exposure, potentially due to higher Cd levels during occupational
exposure [63]. Men positive for human papillomavirus-16 may be at increased risk [64].
A number of other factors previously linked to an increased risk of PCa have been disproved
including vasectomy [65] and self-reported acne [66]. There are conflicting data about the use of aspirin or non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the risk of PCa and mortality [67, 68].
Ultraviolet radiation exposure decreased the risk of PCa (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.88-0.95)
[69]. A review found a small but protective association of circumcision status with PCa [70]. Higher ejaculation
frequency (> 21 times a month vs. four to seven times) has been associated with a 20% lower risk of PCa [71].
However, the associations identified to date lack evidence for causality. As a consequence there is
no data to suggest effective preventative strategies.

3.2.3 Summary of evidence and guidelines for epidemiology and aetiology
Summary of evidence
Prostate cancer is a major health concern in men, with incidence mainly dependent on age.
Genetic factors are associated with risk of (aggressive) PCa but ongoing trials will need to define the clinical
applicability of screening for genetic susceptibility to PCa.
A variety of exogenous/environmental factors may have an impact on PCa incidence and the risk of
progression.
Selenium or vitamin-E supplements have no beneficial effect in preventing PCa.
In hypogonadal men, testosterone supplements do not increase the risk of PCa.

No specific preventive or dietary measures are recommended to reduce the risk of Strong
developing prostate cancer.
4. CLASSIFICATION AND STAGING SYSTEMS

4.1 Classification
The objective of a tumour classification system is to combine patients with a similar clinical outcome. This
allows for the design of clinical trials on relatively homogeneous patient populations, the comparison of
clinical and pathological data obtained from different hospitals across the world, and the development of
recommendations for the treatment of these patient populations. Throughout these Guidelines the 2017
Tumour, Node, Metastasis (TNM) classification for staging of PCa (Table 4.1) [72] and the EAU risk group
classification, which is essentially based on D’Amico’s classification system for PCa, are used (Table 4.3) [73].
The latter classification is based on the grouping of patients with a similar risk of biochemical recurrence after
RP or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).
Table 4.1: Clinical Tumour Node Metastasis (TNM) classification of PCa [72]
T - Primary Tumour (stage based on digital rectal examination [DRE] only)

TX Primary tumour cannot be assessed
T0 No evidence of primary tumour
T1 Clinically inapparent tumour that is not palpable
T1a Tumour incidental histological finding in 5% or less of tissue resected
T1b Tumour incidental histological finding in more than 5% of tissue resected
T1c Tumour identified by needle biopsy (e.g. because of elevated prostate-specific antigen [PSA])
T2 Tumour that is palpable and confined within the prostate
T2a Tumour involves one half of one lobe or less
T2b Tumour involves more than half of one lobe, but not both lobes
T2c Tumour involves both lobes
T3 Tumour extends through the prostatic capsule
T3a Extracapsular extension (unilateral or bilateral)
T3b Tumour invades seminal vesicle(s)
T4 Tumour is fixed or invades adjacent structures other than seminal vesicles: external sphincter, rectum,
levator muscles, and/or pelvic wall
N - Regional (pelvic) Lymph Nodes1
NX Regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed
N0 No regional lymph node metastasis
N1 Regional lymph node metastasis

M - Distant Metastasis2
M0 No distant metastasis
M1 Distant metastasis
M1a Non-regional lymph node(s)
M1b Bone(s)
M1c Other site(s)
1Metastasis
no larger than 0.2 cm can be designated pNmi.
2When
more than one site of metastasis is present, the most advanced category is used. (p)M1c is the most
advanced category.
Clinical T stage only refers to DRE findings; imaging findings are not considered in the TNM classification.
Pathological staging (pTNM) is based on histopathological tissue assessment and largely parallels the clinical
TNM, except for clinical stage T1c and the T2 substages. All histopathologically confirmed organ-confined
PCas after RP are pathological stage T2 and the current Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) no
longer recognises pT2 substages [72].
4.2 Gleason score and International Society of Urological Pathology 2014 grade
The 2005 International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) modified Gleason score (GS) of biopsy-detected
PCa comprises the Gleason grade of the most extensive (primary) pattern, plus the second most common
(secondary) pattern, if two are present. If one pattern is present, it needs to be doubled to yield the GS. For
three grades, the biopsy GS comprises the most common grade plus the highest grade, irrespective of its
extent. When a carcinoma is largely grade 4/5, identification of < 5% of Gleason grade 2 or 3 glands should
not be incorporated in the GS. A GS < 5 should not be given based on prostate biopsies [74, 75]. In addition to
reporting of the carcinoma features for each biopsy, an overall (or global) GS based on the carcinoma-positive
biopsies can be provided. The global GS takes into account the extent of each grade from all prostate biopsies.
The 2014 ISUP endorsed grading system [75, 76] limits the number of PCa grades, ranging them from 1 to 5
(see Table 4.2), in order to:
1. align the PCa grading with the grading of other carcinomas;
2. eliminate the anomaly that the most highly differentiated PCas have a GS 6;
3. to further define the clinically highly significant distinction between GS 7(3+4) and 7(4+3) PCa [77].
Table 4.2: International Society of Urological Pathology 2014 grades
Gleason score ISUP grade

2-6 1
7 (3+4) 2
7 (4+3) 3
8 (4+4 or 3+5 or 5+3) 4
9-10 5
Table 4.3 EAU risk groups for biochemical recurrence of localised and locally advanced prostate cancer
Definition
Low-risk Intermediate-risk High-risk
PSA < 10 ng/mL PSA 10-20 ng/mL PSA > 20 ng/mL any PSA
and GS < 7 (ISUP grade 1) or GS 7 (ISUP grade 2/3) or GS > 7 (ISUP grade 4/5) any GS (any ISUP grade)
and cT1-2a or cT2b or cT2c cT3-4 or cN+
Localised Locally advanced
GS = Gleason score; ISUP = International Society for Urological Pathology; PSA = prostate-specific antigen.
4.3 Prognostic relevance of stratification

A more precise stratification of the clinically heterogeneous subset of intermediate-risk group patients could
provide a better framework for their management. The adoption of the current ISUP grading system, defining
the split-up of GS 7 cancers into ISUP grade 2 (primary Gleason grade 3) and ISUP grade 3 (primary Gleason
grade 4) because of their distinct prognostic impact strengthens such a separation of the intermediate-risk
group into a low-intermediate (ISUP grade 2) and high intermediate-risk (ISUP grade 3) group [76].

Emerging clinical data support this distinction between favourable- and unfavourable-risk patient
categories within the intermediate-risk group [77, 78].
5. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
5.1 Screening and early detection
5.1.1 Screening
Population or mass screening is defined as the ‘systematic examination of asymptomatic men (at risk)’ and is
usually initiated by health authorities. The co-primary objectives are:
• reduction in mortality due to PCa;
• a maintained QoL as expressed by QoL-adjusted gain in life years (QALYs).
Prostate cancer mortality trends range widely from country to country in the industrialised world [79]. Mortality
due to PCa has decreased in most Western nations but the magnitude of the reduction varies between
countries. The reduced mortality rate seen recently in the USA is considered to be partly due to a widely
adopted aggressive PCa screening policy [80].
Currently, screening for PCa is one of the most controversial topics in the urological literature [81]. Three large
prospective RCTs published data on screening in 2009 [82-84] resulting in conflicting positions and policy
papers. Some authors argue that following the current American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines [85]
or the 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations for screening [86-88] may lead
to a substantial number of men with aggressive disease being missed [89, 90]. In 2017 the USPSTF issued
an updated statement suggesting that men aged 55-69 should be informed about the benefits and harms of
PSA-based screening as this might be associated with a small survival benefit. The USPSTF has now upgraded
this recommendation to a grade C [91], from a previous grade of ‘D’ [88, 91, 92]. The grade D recommendation
remains in place for men over 70 years old. This represents a major switch from discouraging PSA-based
screening (grade D) to offering screening to selected patients depending on individual circumstances.
A comparison of systematic and opportunistic screening suggested over-diagnosis and mortality
reduction in the systematic screening group compared to a higher over-diagnosis with a marginal survival
benefit, at best, in the opportunistic screening regimen [93]. The potential impact of this topic would
necessitate the highest level of evidence produced through a systematic literature search of all published
trials or cohorts summarised in a meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses of cohorts that are part of large trials, or
mathematical projections alone, cannot provide the quality of evidence needed to appropriately address this
clinical question.
A Cochrane review published in 2013 [94], which has since been updated [95], presents the main overview
to date. The findings of the updated publication (based on a literature search until April 3, 2013) are almost
identical to the 2009 review:
• Screening is associated with an increased diagnosis of PCa (RR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.02-1.65).
• Screening is associated with detection of more localised disease (RR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.19-2.70) and less
advanced PCa (T3-4, N1, M1) (RR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73-0.87).
• From the results of five RCTs, randomising more than 341,000 men, no PCa-specific survival benefit was
observed (RR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.86-1.17). This was the main endpoint in all trials.
• From the results of four available RCTs, no overall survival (OS) benefit was observed (RR: 1.00, 95% CI:
0.96-1.03).
Moreover, screening was associated with minor and major harms such as over-diagnosis and over-treatment.
Surprisingly, the diagnostic tool (i.e. biopsy) was not associated with any mortality in the selected papers,
which is in contrast with other known data [55, 56].
The impact on the patient’s overall QoL is still unclear, although screening has never been shown
to be detrimental at population level [96-98]. Nevertheless, all these findings have led to strong advice against
systematic population-based screening in all countries, including those in Europe.
Since 2013, the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) data have been
updated with thirteen years of follow up (see Table 5.1) [99]. The key message is that with extended follow up,
the mortality reduction remains unchanged (21%, and 29% after non-compliance adjustment). However the

number needed to screen and to treat is decreasing, and is now below the number needed to screen observed
in breast cancer trials [100].
Table 5.1: Follow-up data from the ERSPC study [99]
Years of follow-up Number needed to screen Number needed to treat

9 1,410 48
11 979 35
13 781 27
5.1.2 Early detection

An individualised risk-adapted strategy for early detection might be offered to a well-informed man with at
least ten to fifteen years of life expectancy. It is important to carefully identify the patient taking into account
the potential balances and harms involved. However, this approach may still be associated with a substantial
risk of over-diagnosis. It is essential to remember that breaking the link between diagnosis and active treatment
is the only way to decrease over-treatment, while still maintaining the potential benefit of individual early
diagnosis for men requesting it.
Men at elevated risk of having PCa are those > 50 years [101] or at age > 45 years with a family
history of PCa (either paternal or maternal [102]), or African-Americans [103]. In addition, men with a PSA
> 1 ng/mL at 40 years and > 2 ng/mL at 60 years are also at increased risk of PCa metastasis or death from
PCa several decades later [104, 105]. The long-term survival and QoL benefits of such an approach remain
to be proven at a population level. In 2014, as for breast cancer, a genetic abnormality associated with an
increased risk has been shown prospectively i.e. BRCA2 [25, 78].
The use of DRE alone in the primary care setting had a sensitivity and specificity below 60%, possibly due to
inexperience, and can therefore not be recommended to exclude PCa [106]. Informed men requesting an early
diagnosis should be given a PSA test and undergo a DRE [107]. The optimal intervals for PSA testing and DRE
follow-up are unknown, as they varied between several prospective trials. A single PSA test in men between
50 and 69 years did not improve ten-year PCa-specific survival compared to standard care in a large RCT in
a primary care setting [108]. A risk-adapted strategy might be a consideration, based on the initial PSA level.
This could be every two years for those initially at risk, or postponed up to eight to ten years in those not at risk
with an initial PSA < 1 ng/mL at 40 years and a PSA < 2 ng/mL at 60 years of age and a negative family history
[109]. Data from the Goteborg arm of the ERSPC trial suggest that the age at which early diagnosis should
be stopped remains controversial, but an individual’s life expectancy must definitely be taken into account.
Men who have less than a fifteen-year life expectancy are unlikely to benefit, based on data from the Prostate
Cancer Intervention Versus Observation Trial (PIVOT) and the ERSPC trials. Furthermore, although there is no
simple tool to evaluate individual life expectancy, comorbidity is at least as important as age. A detailed review
can be found in Section 5.4 ‘Evaluating health status and life expectancy’ and in the SIOG Guidelines [110].
Multiple tools are now available to determine the need for a biopsy to establish the diagnosis of a PCa,
including imaging by MRI, if available (see Section 5.2.4). New biological markers such as TMPRSS2-ERG
fusion, PCA3 [111, 112] or kallikreins as incorporated in the Phi or 4Kscore tests [113, 114] have been shown
to add sensitivity and specificity on top of PSA, potentially avoiding unnecessary biopsies and lowering over-
diagnosis (see Section 5.2.2.4). At this time there is too limited data to implement these markers into routine
screening programmes.
Risk calculators may be useful in helping to determine (on an individual basis) what the potential risk of cancer
may be, thereby reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies. Several tools developed from cohort studies
are available including:
• the PCPT cohort: PCPTRC 2.0 http://myprostatecancerrisk.com/;
• the ERSPC cohort: http://www.prostatecancer-riskcalculator.com/seven-prostate-cancer-risk-calculators;
An updated version was presented in 2017 including prediction of low and high risk now also based on
the ISUP grading system and presence of cribriform growth in histology [115].
• a local Canadian cohort: https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=asure-calc (among others).
Since none of these risk calculators has clearly shown superiority, it remains a personal decision as to which
one to use [116].

5.1.3 Guidelines for screening and early detection
Recommendations LE Strength rating

Do not subject men to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing without counselling 3 Strong
them on the potential risks and benefits.
Offer an individualised risk-adapted strategy for early detection to a well-informed 3 Strong
man with a good performance status (PS) and a life-expectancy of at least ten to
fifteen years.
Offer early PSA testing in well-informed men at elevated risk of having PCa: 2b Strong
• men > 50 years of age;
• men > 45 years of age and a family history of PCa;
• African-Americans > 45 years of age.
Offer a risk-adapted strategy (based on initial PSA level), with follow-up intervals of 3 Weak
two years for those initially at risk:
• men with a PSA level of > 1 ng/mL at 40 years of age;
• men with a PSA level of > 2 ng/mL at 60 years of age;
Postpone follow-up to eight years in those not at risk.
Stop early diagnosis of PCa based on life expectancy and PS; men who have a life- 3 Strong
expectancy of < fifteen years are unlikely to benefit.
5.2 Clinical diagnosis

Prostate cancer is usually suspected on the basis of DRE and/or PSA levels. Definitive diagnosis depends
on histopathological verification of adenocarcinoma in prostate biopsy cores or specimens from transurethral
resection of the prostate (TURP) or prostatectomy for benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).
5.2.1 Digital rectal examination

Most PCas are located in the peripheral zone and may be detected by DRE when the volume is > 0.2 mL.
In ~18% of cases, PCa is detected by suspect DRE alone, irrespective of PSA level [117]. A suspect DRE in
patients with a PSA level < 2 ng/mL has a positive predictive value (PPV) of 5-30% [118]. An abnormal DRE is
associated with an increased risk of a higher ISUP grade and is an indication for biopsy [119, 120].
5.2.2 Prostate-specific antigen

The use of PSA as a serum marker has revolutionised PCa diagnosis [121]. Prostate-specific antigen is organ
but not cancer specific; therefore, it may be elevated in benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), prostatitis and
other non-malignant conditions. As an independent variable, PSA is a better predictor of cancer than either
DRE or transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) [122].
There are no agreed standards defined for measuring PSA [123]. It is a continuous parameter, with higher levels
indicating greater likelihood of PCa. Many men may harbour PCa despite having low serum PSA [124]. Table
5.2.1 demonstrates the occurrence of GS > 7 (or ISUP > grade 2) PCa at low PSA levels, precluding an optimal
PSA threshold for detecting non-palpable but clinically significant (cs) PCa. The use of nomograms may help in
predicting indolent PCa [125].
Table 5.2.1: Risk of PCa in relation to low PSA values [124]
PSA level (ng/mL) Risk of PCa (%) Risk of ISUP grade > 2 PCa (%)
0.0-0.5 6.6 0.8
0.6-1.0 10.1 1.0
1.1-2.0 17.0 2.0
2.1-3.0 23.9 4.6
3.1-4.0 26.9 6.7
5.2.2.1 PSA density

Prostate-specific antigen density is the level of serum PSA divided by the TRUS-determined prostate volume.
The higher the PSA density, the more likely it is that the PCa is clinically significant (see Section 6.2.1 –
Treatment of low-risk disease).

5.2.2.2 PSA velocity and doubling time
There are two methods of measuring PSA kinetics:
• PSA velocity (PSAV): absolute annual increase in serum PSA (ng/mL/year) [126];
• PSA doubling time (PSA-DT): which measures the exponential increase in serum PSA over time [127].
Prostate specific antigen velocity and PSA-DT may have a prognostic role in treating PCa [128], but
have limited diagnostic use because of background noise (total prostate volume, and BPH), different
intervals between PSA determinations, and acceleration/deceleration of PSAV and PSA-DT over time. These
measurements do not provide additional information compared with PSA alone [129-132].
5.2.2.3 Free/total PSA ratio

Free/total (f/t) PSA must be used cautiously because it may be adversely affected by several pre-analytical
and clinical factors (e.g., instability of free PSA at 4°C and room temperature, variable assay characteristics,
and concomitant BPH in large prostates) [133]. Prostate cancer was detected in men with a PSA 4-10 ng/mL
by biopsy in 56% of men with f/t PSA < 0.10, but in only 8% with f/t PSA > 0.25 ng/mL [134]. A SR including
fourteen studies found a pooled sensitivity of 70% in men with a PSA of 4-10 ng/mL [135]. Free/total PSA is of
no clinical use if the total serum PSA is > 10 ng/mL or during follow up of known PCa. The clinical value of f/t
PSA is limited in the light of novel serum tests.
5.2.2.4 Additional serum testing

A few assays measuring a panel of kallikreins in serum or plasma are now commercially available, including
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Prostate Health Index (PHI) test, (combining free and
total PSA and the [-2]pro-PSA isoform [p2PSA]), and the four kallikrein (4K) score test (measuring free, intact
and total PSA and kallikrein-like peptidase 2 [hK2] in addition to age, DRE and prior biopsy status). Both tests
are intended to reduce the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies in PSA-tested men. A few prospective
multicentre studies demonstrated that both the PHI and 4K score test out-performed f/t PSA PCa detection,
with an improved prediction of clinically significant PCa in men with a PSA between 2-10 ng /mL [114, 136-
138]. In a head-to-head comparison both tests performed equally [139].
5.2.2.5 Urine tests: PCA3 marker/SelectMDX/Mi Prostate score (MiPS)/ExoDX

Prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) is a prostate-specific, non-coding microRNA (mRNA) biomarker that is
detectable in urine sediments obtained after three strokes of prostatic massage during DRE. The commercially
available Progensa urine test for PCA3 is superior to total and percent-free PSA for detection of PCa in men
with elevated PSA as it shows significant increases in the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve
for positive biopsies [140-143].
PCA3 score increases with PCa volume, but there are conflicting data about whether it
independently predicts the ISUP grade, and its use for monitoring in active surveillance (AS) is, as yet, not
confirmed [144]. Currently, the main indication for the Progensa test is to determine whether repeat biopsy is
needed after an initially negative biopsy, but its clinical effectiveness for this purpose is uncertain [145]. Wei et
al. showed 42% sensitivity at a cut-off of 60 in the primary biopsy setting with a high specificity (91%) and a
PPV of 80% suggesting that the assay may be used in the primary setting [146].
The SelectMDX test is similarly based on mRNA biomarker isolation from urine. The presence of
HOXC6 and DLX1 mRNA levels is assessed to provide an estimate of the risk of both presence of PCa on
biopsy as well as presence of high-risk cancer [147].
TMPRSS2-ERG fusion, a fusion of the trans-membrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and the ERG
gene can be detected in 50% of PCas [148]. When detection of TMPRSS2-ERG in urine was added to PCA3
expression and serum PSA (Mi(chigan)Prostate Score [MiPS]), cancer prediction improved [149]. Exosomes
secreted by cancer cells may contain mRNA diagnostic for high-grade PCa [150, 151]. Use of the ExoDx
Prostate IntelliScore urine exosome assay resulted in avoiding 27% of unnecessary biopsies when compared
to standard of care. However, currently, both the MiPS-score and ExoDx assay are considered investigational.
In six head-to-head comparison studies of PCA3 and PHI, only Seisen et al. found a significant difference;
PCA3 detected more cancers, but for the detection of significant disease, defined as ISUP grade > 2, more
than three positive cores, or > 50% cancer involvement in any core, PHI proved superior [152]. In the screening
population of the ERSPC study the use of both PCA3 and 4K panel has added value to the risk calculator but
the differences in AUC were less than 0.03 [111]. Based on the available evidence, some biomarkers could help
in discriminating between aggressive and non-aggressive tumours with an additional value compared to the
prognostic parameters currently used by clinicians [153]. Upfront mpMRI may likely affect the utility of above-
mentioned biomarkers (see Section 5.2.4)

5.2.2.6 Guidelines for risk-assessment of asymptomatic men
Recommendation LE Strength rating

To avoid unnecessary biopsies, offer further risk-assessment to asymptomatic men 3 Strong
with a normal digital rectal examination (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
level between 2-10 ng/mL prior to performing a prostate biopsy. Use one of the
following tools:
• risk-calculator;
• imaging;
• an additional serum or urine-based test.
5.2.3 Baseline biopsy

The need for prostate biopsy is based on PSA level and/or suspicious DRE and/or imaging (see Section
5.2.4). Age, potential comorbidity, and therapeutic consequences should also be considered and discussed
beforehand [154]. Risk stratification is a potential tool for reducing unnecessary biopsies [154].
Limited PSA elevation alone should not prompt immediate biopsy. Prostate specific antigen
level should be verified after a few weeks, in the same laboratory, using the same assay under standardised
conditions (i.e. no ejaculation, manipulations, and urinary tract infections [UTIs]) [155, 156]. Empiric use of
antibiotics in an asymptomatic patient in order to lower the PSA should not be undertaken [157].
Ultrasound (US)-guided biopsy is now the standard of care. Prostate biopsy is performed by either
the transrectal or transperineal approach. Cancer detection rates, when performed without prior imaging
with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are comparable between the two approaches [158], however some
evidence suggests reduced infection risk with the transperineal route (see Section 5.2.6.4). Rectal disinfection
with povidone-iodine may be considered [159].
Transurethral resection of the prostate should not be used as a tool for cancer detection [160].
5.2.4 The role of imaging in clinical diagnosis

5.2.4.1 Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and ultrasound-based techniques
Grey-scale TRUS is not reliable at detecting PCa [161]. Thus, there is no evidence that US-targeted biopsies
can replace systematic biopsies. New sonographic modalities such as sonoelastography and contrast-
enhanced US are still under investigation and not ready for routine use.
5.2.4.2 Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)

5.2.4.2.1 mpMRI performance in detecting ISUP grade > 2 PCa
Correlation with RP specimens shows that mpMRI, associating T2-weighted imaging with at least one
functional imaging technique (DWI, DCE, H1-spectroscopy), has good sensitivity for the detection and
localisation of ISUP grade > 2 cancers (see Table 5.2.4.1) [162-164]. This was further confirmed in patients
who underwent template biopsies. In a recent Cochrane meta-analysis which compared mpMRI to template
biopsies (> 20 cores) in biopsy-naïve and repeat-biopsy settings, mpMRI had a pooled sensitivity of 0.91 (95%
CI: 0.83-0.95) and a pooled specificity of 0.37 (95% CI: 0.29-0.46) for ISUP grade > 2 cancers [1]. For ISUP
grade > 3 cancers, mpMRI pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.87-0.99) and 0.35 (95%
CI: 0.26-0.46), respectively. As a result, mpMRI is increasingly used to localise suspicious areas that could be
targeted by so-called magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsies (MRI-TBx).
Table 5.2.4.1: PCa detection rates (%) by mpMRI for tumour volume and ISUP grade group in radical
prostatectomy specimen [162]
ISUP grade group Tumour volume (mL)

< 0.5 0.5-2 >2
ISUP grade 1 21-29% 43-54% 67-75%
ISUP grade 2-3 63% 82-88% 97%
ISUP grade > 4 80% 93% 100%
5.2.4.2.2 mpMRI performance in detecting ISUP grade group 1 PCa

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is less sensitive in identifying ISUP grade 1 PCa. It identifies
less than 30% of ISUP grade 1 cancers smaller than 0.5 cc identified on RP specimens by histopathology
analysis (see Table 5.2.4.1) [162]. In series using template biopsy findings as the reference standard, mpMRI
has a pooled sensitivity of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.59-0.80) and a pooled specificity of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.19-0.37) for
identifying ISUP grade 1 cancers [1].

5.2.4.2.3 Does MRI-TBx improve the detection of ISUP grade > 2 as compared to systematic biopsy?
In pooled data of 25 reports on agreement analysis (head-to-head comparisons) between systematic biopsy
(median number of cores, 8-15) and MRI-TBx (median number of cores, 2-7), the detection ratio (i.e. the ratio of
the detection rates obtained by MRI-TBx alone and by systematic biopsy alone) was 1.12 (95% CI: 1.02-1.23)
for ISUP grade > 2 cancers and 1.20 (95% CI: 1.06-1.36) for ISUP grade > 3 cancers, and therefore in favour
of MRI-TBx [1]. However, the pooled detection ratios for ISUP grade > 2 cancers and ISUP grade > 3 cancers
were 1.44 (95% CI: 1.19-1.75) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.27-2.11), respectively, in patients with prior negative
systematic biopsies, and only 1.05 (95% CI: 0.95-1.16) and 1.09 (95% CI: 0.94-1.26) in biopsy-naïve patients.
This confirms previous SRs that suggested that MRI-TBx significantly outperformed systematic biopsy in
detecting clinically significant (cs)PCa in patients with prior negative systematic biopsy, but not in biopsy-naïve
men [165, 166].
Three prospective multicentre RCTs evaluated MRI-TBx in biopsy-naïve patients. In the PRostate
Evaluation for Clinically Important Disease: Sampling Using Image-guidance Or Not? (PRECISION) trial, 500
biopsy-naïve patients were randomised to either MRI-TBx only or TRUS-guided systematic biopsy only. The
detection rate of ISUP grade > 2 cancers was significantly higher in men assigned to MRI-TBx (38%) than in
those assigned to SBx (26%, p = 0.005, detection ratio 1.46) [167]. In the Assessment of Prostate MRI Before
Prostate Biopsies (MRI-FIRST) trial, 251 biopsy-naïve patients underwent TRUS-guided systematic biopsy by
an operator who was blinded to mpMRI findings, and MRI-TBx by another operator. MRI-TBx detected ISUP
grade > 2 cancers in a higher percentage of patients but the difference was not significant (32.3% vs. 29.9%, p
= 0.38; detection ratio: 1.08) [168]. However, MRI-TBx detected significantly more ISUP grade > 3 cancers than
systematic biopsy (19.9% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.0095; detection ratio: 1.32). A similar trend for improved detection
of ISUP grade > 3 cancers by MRI-TBx was observed in the Cochrane analysis; however, it was not statistically
significant (detection ratio 1.11 [0.88-1.40]) [1]. The Met Prostaat MRI Meer Mans (4M) study included 626
biopsy-naïve patients; all patients underwent systematic biopsy, and those with a positive mpMRI (Prostate
Imaging Reporting and Data System [PI-RADS] 3-5, 51%) underwent additional in-bore MRI-TBx. The results
were close to those of the MRI-FIRST trial with a detection ratio for ISUP grade > 2 cancers of 1.09 (detection
rate: 25% for MRI-TBx vs. 23% for systematic biopsy) [169]. However, in this study, MRI-TBx and systematic
biopsy detected an equal number of ISUP grade > 3 cancers (11% vs. 12%; detection ratio: 0.92).
Thus, MRI-TBx significantly outperforms systematic biopsy for the detection of ISUP grade > 2
in the repeat-biopsy setting. In biopsy-naïve patients, the difference appears to be less marked; it is not
significant in all series, but remains in favour of MRI-TBx in most studies.
5.2.4.2.4 Does MRI-TBx reduce the detection of ISUP grade 1 PCa as compared to systematic biopsy?
In pooled data of 25 reports on agreement analysis (head-to-head comparisons) between systematic biopsy
and MRI-TBx, the detection ratio for ISUP grade 1 cancers was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.44-0.88) in patients with prior
negative biopsy and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.54-0.74) in biopsy-naïve patients [1]. In the PRECISION and 4M trials, the
detection rate of ISUP grade 1 patients was significantly lower in the MRI-TBx group (9% vs. 22%, p < 0.001,
detection ratio of 0.41 for PRECISION; 14% vs. 25%, p < 0.001), detection ratio of 0.56 for 4M [167, 169]. In
the MRI-FIRST trial, MRI-TBx detected significantly fewer patients with clinically insignificant PCa (defined
as ISUP grade 1 and maximum cancer core length < 6 mm) than systematic biopsy (secondary objective,
5.6% vs. 19.5%, p < 0.0001, detection ratio of 0.29) [168]. Consequently, MRI-TBx significantly reduces over-
diagnosis of low-risk disease, as compared to systematic biopsy.
5.2.4.2.5 The added value of systematic and targeted biopsy

Magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsies can be used in two different diagnostic pathways: 1) the
‘combined pathway’, in which patients with a positive mpMRI undergo combined systematic and targeted
biopsy, and patients with negative mpMRI undergo systematic biopsy; 2) the ‘MR pathway’, in which patients
with a positive mpMRI undergo only MRI-TBx, and patients with negative mpMRI are not biopsied at all.
Many studies evaluated combined systematic and targeted biopsy in the same patients and could
therefore assess the added value of each technique (i.e. the percentage of patients diagnosed by only one
biopsy technique). Data from a Cochrane meta-analysis of these studies and from the MRI-FIRST and 4M
trials suggest that the added value of MRI-TBx for detecting ISUP grade > 2 cancers is higher than that of
systematic biopsy (see Table 5.2.4.2).

Table 5.2.4.2: A
dded values of targeted and systematic biopsies for ISUP grade ≥ 2 and ≥ 3 cancer
detection
ISUP > 2 ISUP > 3

ISUP grade Cochrane MRI-FIRST 4M trial Cochrane MRI-FIRST 4M trial
meta- trial* [168] [169] meta- trial* [168] [169]
analysis* analysis*
[1] [1]
Added value of 6.3% 7.6% 7.0% (ND) 4.7% 6.0% 3.2% (ND)
MRI-TBx (4.8-8.2) (4.6-11.6) (3.5-6.3) (3.4-9.7)
Added value 4.3% 5.2% 5.0% (ND) 2.8% 1.2% 4.1% (ND)
Biopsy-naïve of systematic (2.6-6.9) (2.8-8.7) (1.7-4.8) (0.2-3.5)
biopsy
Overall 27.7% 37.5% 30% (ND) 15.5% 21.1% 15% (ND)
prevalence (23.7-32.6) (31.4-43.8) (12.6-19.5) (16.2-26.7)
Added value of 9.6% - - 6.3% - -
MRI-TBx (7.7-11.8) (5.2-7.7)
Added value 2.3% - - 1.1% - -
Prior negative
of systematic (1.2-4.5) (0.5-2.6)
biopsy
biopsy
Overall 22.8% - - 12.6% - -
prevalence (20.0-26.2) (10.5-15.6)
* 95% CI.
ISUP = International Society for Urological Pathology (grade); MRI-TBx = magnetic resonance imaging-targeted
biopsies; ND = not defined.
In Table 5.2.4.2, the added values refer to the percentage of patients in the entire cohort; if the cancer
prevalence is taken into account, the ‘relative’ percentage of additional detected PCa can be computed.
Adding MRI-TBx to systematic biopsy in biopsy-naïve patients increases the number of ISUP grade > 2 and
grade > 3 PCa by approximately 20% and 30%, respectively. In the repeat-biopsy setting, adding MRI-TBx
increases detection of ISUP grade > 2 and grade > 3 PCa by approximately 40% and 50%, respectively.
Omitting systematic biopsy in biopsy-naïve patients would miss approximately 16% of ISUP grade > 2 PCa
and 18% of ISUP grade > 3 PCa. In the repeat-biopsy setting, approximately 10% of ISUP grade > 2 PCa and
9% of ISUP grade > 3 PCa are missed.
5.2.4.2.6 Number of biopsy procedures potentially avoided in the ‘MR pathway’

The diagnostic yield and number of biopsy procedures potentially avoided by the ‘MR pathway’ depends on
the Likert/PI-RADS threshold used to define positive mpMRI. In pooled studies on biopsy-naïve patients and
patients with prior negative biopsies, a Likert/PI-RADS threshold of > 3 would have avoided 30% (95% CI:
23-38) of all biopsy procedures while missing 11% (95% CI: 6-18) of all detected ISUP grade > 2 cancers
(relative percentage) [1]. Increasing the threshold to > 4 would have avoided 59% (95% CI: 43-78) of all
biopsy procedures while missing 28% (95% CI: 14-48) of all detected ISUP grade > 2 cancers [1]. Of note, the
percentages of negative mpMRI (Likert/PI-RADS score < 2) in MRI-FIRST, PRECISION and 4M were 21.1%,
28.9% and 49%, respectively [167-169].
5.2.4.2.7 Other considerations

5.2.4.2.7.1 mpMRI reproducibility
Despite the use of the PIRADSv2 scoring system [170], mpMRI inter-reader reproducibility remains moderate at
best [171-174], which currently limits its broad use by non-dedicated radiologists. In a community hospital that
started a prostate mpMRI programme in 2010, cancer detection rates improved and false positives decreased
with the implementation of PIRADSv2 scoring and multidisciplinary meetings using pathological correlation and
feedback [175]. It is still too early to predict whether quantitative approaches and computer-aided diagnostic
systems will improve the characterisation of lesions seen at mpMRI [176-178].
5.2.4.2.7.2 Targeted biopsy accuracy and reproducibility

Magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsies can be obtained through cognitive guidance, US/MR fusion
software or direct in-bore guidance. Current literature does not show a clear superiority of one technique
over another [179-183]. However, the accuracy of most systems have largely been evaluated on phantoms,
and data on the accuracy and reproducibility in real-life patients are limited [183]. One study, using an elastic

US/MR fusion and intraprostatic fiducials, showed a median 3D registration error of 3.8-5.6 mm depending on
the operator’s experience. The error tended to be higher at the apex and in the anteroposterior direction [184].
Clinically significant PCa not detected by the ‘MR pathway’ can be missed because of MRI failure
(invisible cancer or reader’s misinterpretation) or because of targeting failure (target missed or undersampled
by MRI-TBx). The PRECISION trial found a marked difference between targeted and systematic biopsies
(detection ratio: 1.46), a finding the MRI-FIRST trial could not reproduce (detection ratio: 1.08). PRECISION
allowed four targeted cores per lesion, while MRI-FIRST allowed only three, which might explain these findings.
In a retrospective study of 211 patients with a unilateral mpMRI lesion, targeted biopsy alone detected 73.5%
of all csPCa (ISUP grade > 2); combining targeted biopsy with systematic biopsy of the lobe with the MRI
lesion detected 96% of all csPCas and combined targeted and systematic biopsy of the contralateral lobe
only identified 81.6% of csPCas [185]. The difference may reflect targeting errors leading to undersampling of
the tumour. Increasing the number of cores taken per target may partially compensate for guiding imprecision,
but there is currently no data on the minimum number of targeted cores to be obtained as a function of the
prostate volume, lesion size and location. In addition, the inter-operator reproducibility of MRI-TBx is still
unclear.
5.2.4.2.7.3 Role of risk-stratification

The negative predictive value (NPV) of a diagnostic test decreases when the disease prevalence increases, i.e.
when the a priori risk of the patient increases. Therefore, the excellent NPV reported for mpMRI in the literature
may not apply to patients with a risk of disease [186]. Prostate-specific antigen density [187-189] or risk-
calculators [190] can select patients with a high risk of csPCa in whom mpMRI NPV is low, and who may still
benefit from systematic biopsies even if the mpMRI is negative. Several groups have developed nomograms
which combine mpMRI findings with simple clinical data as a tool to predict subsequent biopsy results. These
nomograms require further validation, but in due time they may outperform predictors such as the ERSPC
calculator in the selection of patients who may benefit from systematic and/or MRI-TBx [191-197].
5.2.4.3 Summary of evidence and practical considerations on pre-biopsy mpMRI

Magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsies substantially improve the detection of ISUP grade > 2 PCa.
This improvement is most notable in the repeat-biopsy setting, with marginal added value for systematic
biopsies. It is less marked in biopsy-naïve patients in whom systematic biopsy retain a higher added value, at
least for the detection of ISUP grade 2 cancers. Magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsies also detect
significantly less ISUP grade 1 cancers than systematic biopsies.
The ‘MR pathway’ is appealing since it could decrease the number of biopsy procedures, reduce
the detection of low-grade PCa while maintaining (or even improving) the detection of csPCa, as compared to
systematic biopsy. Limitations of the ‘MR pathway’ are the moderate inter-reader reproducibility of mpMRI and
the lack of standardisation of MRI-TBx, as well as the fact that its inter-operator reproducibility has not been
evaluated. These caveats also apply to the systematic biopsy procedure. A substantial proportion of csPCa
missed by the ‘MR pathway’ may be due to the imprecision of current targeting methods [168, 185]. Therefore,
there is a crucial need to improve these methods, or at least to define the minimum number of targeted cores
that need to be obtained from each lesion, as a function of its size, location and prostate volume. Without
standardisation of mpMRI interpretation and of MRI-TBx technique, the ‘MR pathway’ may lead to suboptimal
care outside large-volume (expert) centres.
Finally, it must be emphasised that the ‘MR pathway’ has only been evaluated in patients in whom
the risk of csPCa was judged high enough to deserve biopsy. Pre-biopsy mpMRI must not be used in patients
who do not have an indication for prostate biopsy based on their family history and clinical and biochemical
data. Because of its low specificity, mpMRI in very low-risk patients would result in an inflation of false-positive
findings and subsequent unnecessary biopsies.
5.2.4.4 Summary of evidence and guidelines for imaging
Systematic biopsy is an acceptable approach if mpMRI is unavailable. 3
Recommendations for all patients LE Strength rating

Do not use mpMRI as an initial screening tool. 3 Strong
Adhere to PI-RADS guidelines for mpMRI acquisition and interpretation. 3 Strong

Recommendations in biopsy naïve patients LE Strength rating
Perform mpMRI before prostate biopsy. 1a Weak
When mpMRI is positive (i.e. PI-RADS > 3), combine targeted and systematic 2a Strong
biopsy.
When mpMRI is negative (i.e. PI-RADS < 2), and clinical suspicion of prostate cancer 2a Weak
is low, omit biopsy based on shared decision making with the patient.
Recommendations in patients with prior negative biopsy LE Strength rating

Perform mpMRI before prostate biopsy. 1a Strong
When mpMRI is positive (i.e. PI-RADS > 3), perform targeted biopsy only. 2a Weak
When mpMRI is negative (i.e. PI-RADS < 2), and clinical suspicion of prostate 2a Strong
cancer is high, perform systematic biopsy based on shared decision making with the
patient.
5.2.5 Repeat biopsy

5.2.5.1 Repeat biopsy after previously negative biopsy
The indications for repeat biopsy are:
• rising and/or persistently elevated PSA (see Table 5.2.1 for risk estimates);
• suspicious DRE, 5-30% PCa risk [117, 118];
• atypical small acinar proliferation (i.e. atypical glands suspicious for cancer), 31-40% PCa risk on repeat
biopsy [198, 199];
• extensive (multiple biopsy sites, i.e. > 3) high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), ~30% PCa
risk [199, 200];
• a few atypical glands immediately adjacent to high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (i.e. PINATYP),
~50% PCa risk [201];
• intraductal carcinoma as a solitary finding, > 90% risk of associated high-grade PCa [202];
• positive multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) findings (see Section 5.2.4.2).
5.2.5.1.1 Tests to select men for a repeat biopsy

In men with an elevated risk of PCa with a prior negative biopsy, additional information may be gained by
the Progensa-PCA3 and SelectMDX DRE urine tests, the serum 4Kscore and PHI tests or a tissue-based
epigenetic test (ConfirmMDx). The role of PHI, Progensa PCA3, and SelectMDX in deciding whether to take a
repeat biopsy in men who had a previous negative biopsy is uncertain and probably not cost-effective [145].
The ConfirmMDx test is based on the concept that benign prostatic tissue in the vicinity of a PCa focus shows
distinct epigenetic alterations. In case PCa is missed at biopsy, demonstration of epigenetic changes in the
benign tissue would indicate the presence of carcinoma. The ConfirmMDX test quantifies the methylation level
of promoter regions of three genes in benign prostatic tissue. A multicentre study found a NPV of 88% when
methylation was absent in all three markers, implying that a repeat biopsy could be avoided in these men [203].
Given the limited available data and the fact that the role of mpMRI in tumour detection was not accounted for,
no recommendation can be made regarding the routine application of ConfirmMDX, in particular in the light of
the widespread use of mpMRI in the repeat-biopsy setting.
Table 5.2.5.1: Description of additional investigational tests after a negative prostate biopsy*
Name of test Test substrate Molecular FDA approved

Progensa DRE urine lncRNA PCA3 yes
SelectMDX DRE urine mRNA HOXC6, DLX1 no
PHI Serum Total, free and p2PSA yes
4Kscore Test Serum/plasma Total, free, intact PSA, hK2 no
ConfirmMDX Benign prostate biopsy Methylated APC, RASSF1 and GSTP1 no
*Isolated high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) in one or two biopsy sites is no longer an indication
for repeat biopsy [204].
5.2.5.2 Saturation biopsy

The incidence of PCa detected by saturation repeat biopsy (> 20 cores) is 30-43% and depends on the number
of cores sampled during earlier biopsies [205]. Saturation biopsy may be performed with the transperineal
technique, which detects an additional 38% of PCa. The rate of urinary retention (10%) is a drawback [206].

5.2.6 Prostate biopsy procedure
5.2.6.1 Sampling sites and number of cores
On baseline biopsies, where no prior imaging with mpMRI has been performed, or where mpMRI has not
shown any suspicious lesion, the sample sites should be bilateral from apex to base, as far posterior and
lateral as possible in the peripheral gland. Additional cores should be obtained from suspect areas by DRE/
TRUS. Sextant biopsy is no longer considered adequate. At least eight systematic biopsies are recommended
in prostates with a size of about 30 cc [207]. Ten to twelve core biopsies are recommended in larger prostates,
with > twelve cores not being significantly more conclusive [208, 209].
5.2.6.2 Antibiotics prior to biopsy

Oral or intravenous antibiotics are recommended. For transrectal biopsy, quinolones are the drugs of choice,
with ciprofloxacin being superior to ofloxacin [210]. Increased quinolone resistance is associated with a rise in
severe post-biopsy infection [211, 212]. Risk factors for quinolone resistance include previous TRUS biopsy,
a current indwelling catheter, and any of: urogenital infection, international travel or hospital admission within
the previous six months. To minimise risk of severe infection due to quinolone resistant rectal flora, patients
with any of these risk factors should be offered either TRUS biopsy with prior rectal swab culture or targeted
antibiotic prophylaxis [159]. For transperineal biopsy, which avoids rectal flora, a single dose of intravenous
cephazolin only is sufficient [213, 214].
5.2.6.3 Local anaesthesia prior to biopsy

Ultrasound-guided periprostatic block is recommended [215]. It is not important whether the depot is apical or
basal. Intrarectal instillation of local anaesthesia is inferior to periprostatic infiltration [216]. Local anaesthesia
can also be used effectively for mpMRI-targeted transperineal biopsy [217]. Patients are placed in the lithotomy
position. Bupivacaine is injected into the perineal skin and subcutaneous tissues, followed two minutes later
by a peri-prostatic block. Targeted biopsies can then be taken via a brachytherapy grid or a freehand needle-
guiding device [217-219].
5.2.6.4 Complications
Complications of TRUS biopsy are listed in Table 5.2.3 [220]. Severe post-procedural infections were initially
reported in < 1% of cases, but have increased as a consequence of antibiotic resistance [221]. Low-dose
aspirin is no longer an absolute contraindication [222]. A SR found favourable infection rates for transperineal
compared to TRUS biopsies with similar rates of haematuria, haematospermia and urinary retention [223].
A meta-analysis of 4,280 men randomised between transperineal vs. TRUS biopsies in thirteen studies
found no significant differences in complication rates, however, data on sepsis compared only 497 men
undergoing TRUS biopsy to 474 having transperineal biopsy. The transperineal approach required more (local)
anaesthesia [158].
Table 5.2.6.1: Percentage of complications per TRUS biopsy session, irrespective of the number of cores
Complications Percentage of patients affected

Haematospermia 37.4
Haematuria > 1 day 14.5
Rectal bleeding < 2 days 2.2
Prostatitis 1.0
Fever > 38.5°C 0.8
Epididymitis 0.7
Rectal bleeding > 2 days +/− surgical intervention 0.7
Urinary retention 0.2
Other complications requiring hospitalisation 0.3
5.2.6.5 Seminal vesicle biopsy

Indications for seminal vesicle (staging) biopsies are poorly defined. At a PSA of > 15 ng/mL, the odds of
tumour involvement are 20-25% [224]. A seminal vesicle staging biopsy is only useful if it has a decisive impact
on treatment, such as ruling out radical tumour resection or for potential subsequent radiotherapy (RT). Its
added value compared with mpMRI is questionable.
5.2.6.6 Transition zone biopsy

Transition zone sampling during baseline biopsies has a low detection rate and should be limited to repeat
biopsies [225].

5.2.6.7 Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is no longer recommended.
5.2.7 Pathology of prostate needle biopsies

5.2.7.1 Processing
Prostate core biopsies from different sites are processed separately. Before processing, the number and length
of the cores are recorded. The length of biopsy tissue significantly correlates with the PCa detection rate
[226]. To achieve optimal flattening and alignment, a maximum of three cores should be embedded per tissue
cassette, and sponges or paper used to keep the cores stretched and flat [227, 228]. To optimise detection
of small lesions, paraffin blocks should be cut at three levels and intervening unstained sections kept for
immunohistochemistry [225].
5.2.7.2 Microscopy and reporting

Diagnosis of PCa is based on histology. The diagnostic criteria include features pathognomonic of cancer,
major and minor features favouring cancer and features against cancer. Ancillary staining and additional
(deeper) sections should be considered if a suspect lesion is identified [229-231]. Diagnostic uncertainty is
resolved by intradepartmental or external consultation [229]. Table 5.2.7.1 lists the recommended terminology
for reporting prostate biopsies [227].
Table 5.2.7.1: Recommended terminology for reporting prostate biopsies [227]
Recommended terminology LE Strength rating

Benign/negative for malignancy; if appropriate, include a description 3 Strong
Active inflammation
Granulomatous inflammation
High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)
High-grade PIN with atypical glands, suspicious for adenocarcinoma (PINATYP)
Focus of atypical glands/lesion suspicious for adenocarcinoma/atypical small acinar
proliferation, suspicious for cancer
Adenocarcinoma
Intraductal carcinoma
Each biopsy site should be reported individually, including its location (in accordance with the sampling
site) and histopathological findings, which include the histological type and the ISUP 2014 grade [75].
A global ISUP grade comprising all biopsies is also reported (see Section 4.2). The global ISUP grade takes
into account all biopsies positive for carcinoma, by estimating the total extent of each Gleason grade present.
For instance, if three biopsy sites are entirely composed of Gleason grade 3 and one biopsy site of Gleason
grade 4 only, the global ISUP grade would be 2 (i.e. Gleason score 7[3+4]) or 3 (i.e. Gleason score 7[4+3]),
dependent on whether the extent of Gleason grade 3 exceeds that of Gleason grade 4, whereas the worse
grade would be ISUP grade 4 (i.e. Gleason score 8[4+4]). Recent publications demonstrated that global ISUP
grade is somewhat superior in predicting prostatectomy ISUP grade [232] and BCR [233].
Intraductal carcinoma, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and extraprostatic extension (EPE) must
each be reported, if identified. More recently, expansile cribriform pattern of PCa as well as intraductal
carcinoma in biopsies were identified as independent prognosticators of metastatic disease [234] and
PCa-specific survival [235].
The proportion of carcinoma-positive cores as well as the extent of tumour involvement per biopsy core
correlate with the ISUP grade, tumour volume, surgical margins and pathologic stage in RP specimens and
predict BCR, post-prostatectomy progression and RT failure. These parameters are included in nomograms
created to predict pathologic stage and seminal vesicle invasion after RP and RT failure [236-238]. A pathology
report should therefore provide both the proportion of carcinoma-positive cores and the extent of cancer
involvement for each core. The length in mm and percentage of carcinoma in the biopsy have equal prognostic
impact [239]. An extent of > 50% of adenocarcinoma in a single core is used in some AS protocols as a cut off
[240] triggering immediate treatment vs. AS in patients with ISUP grade 1.
A prostate biopsy that does not contain glandular tissue should be reported as diagnostically
inadequate. Mandatory elements to be reported for a carcinoma-positive prostate biopsy are:
• type of carcinoma;
• primary and secondary/worst Gleason grade (per biopsy site and global);
• percentage high-grade carcinoma (global);

• extent of carcinoma (in mm or percentage) (at least per biopsy site);
• if present: EPE, seminal vesicle invasion, LVI, intraductal carcinoma/cribriform pattern, peri-neural
invasion;
• ISUP grade (global).
5.2.7.3 Tissue-based prognostic biomarker testing

The Prolaris test (Myriad Genetics) measures the expression of 31 cell-cycle associated genes in biopsy-
derived PCa tissue and may be of clinical use to determine whether a patient needs curative treatment or may
have his treatment deferred [241]. A SR on the topic concluded that cell-cycle-associated gene expression can
be helpful in predicting BCR risk after local treatment and may alter clinical decision-making but the economic
impact on healthcare systems remains to be determined [242].
Similarly, Oncotype Dx® is a RNA-based test based on twelve carcinoma-associated genes
and five reference genes which can be applied to carcinoma tissue in prostate biopsies to determine the
aggressiveness of the carcinoma. Both tests were shown in prospective studies to provide prognostic
information in men with clinically localised PCa, additional to conventional clinico-pathological parameters,
including ISUP grade and PSA level. The results of prospective multicentre studies are awaited before a
recommendation can be made regarding their routine application.
5.2.7.4 Histopathology of radical prostatectomy specimens

5.2.7.4.1 Processing of radical prostatectomy specimens
Histopathological examination of RP specimens describes the pathological stage, histopathological type,
grade and surgical margins of PCa. It is recommended that RP specimens are totally embedded, to enable
assessment of cancer location, multifocality and heterogeneity. For cost-effectiveness, partial embedding may
also be considered, particularly for prostates > 60 g. The most widely accepted method includes complete
embedding of the posterior prostate, and a single mid-anterior left and right section. Compared with total
embedding, partial embedding detected 98% of PCa with an ISUP grade > 2 with accurate staging in 96% of
cases [243].
Ink the entire RP specimen upon receipt in the laboratory, to demonstrate the surgical margins. Specimens
are fixed by immersion in buffered formalin for at least 24 hours, preferably before slicing. Fixation can be
enhanced by injecting formalin, which provides more homogeneous fixation and sectioning after 24 hours
[244]. After fixation, the apex and the base (bladder neck) are removed and cut into (para)sagittal or radial
sections; the shave method is not recommended [74]. The remainder of the specimen is cut in transverse,
3-4 mm sections, perpendicular to the long axis of the urethra. The resultant tissue slices can be embedded
and processed as whole-mounts or after quadrant sectioning. Whole-mounts provide better topographic
visualisation, faster histopathological examination and better correlation with pre-operative imaging, although
they are more time-consuming and require specialist handling. For routine sectioning, the advantages of whole
mounts do not outweigh their disadvantages.
5.2.7.4.1.1 Guidelines for processing prostatectomy specimens

Ensure total embedding, by conventional (quadrant) or whole-mount sectioning. 3 Strong
Ink the entire surface before cutting, to evaluate the surgical margin. 3 Strong
Examine the apex and base separately, using the cone method with sagittal or radial 3 Strong
sectioning.
5.2.7.4.2 Radical prostatectomy specimen report

The pathology report provides essential information on the prognostic characteristics relevant for clinical
decision-making (Table 5.2.7.1). As a result of the complex information to be provided for each RP specimen,
the use of synoptic(-like) or checklist reporting is recommended (Table 5.2.7.2). Synoptic reporting results in
more transparent and complete pathology reporting [245].

Table 5.2.7.1: Mandatory elements provided by the pathology report
Histopathological type: > 95% of PCa represents conventional (acinar) adenocarcinoma.

Grading according to ISUP grade (or not applicable if therapy-related changes).
Tumour (sub)staging and surgical margin status: location and extent of EPE, presence of bladder neck
invasion, laterality of EPE or seminal vesicle invasion, location and extent of positive surgical margins.
Additional information may be provided on multifocality, and diameter/volume and zonal location of the
dominant tumour.
Table 5.2.7.2: Example checklist: reporting of prostatectomy specimens
Histopathological type
Type of carcinoma, e.g. conventional acinar, or ductal
Histological grade
Primary (predominant) Gleason grade
Secondary Gleason grade
Tertiary Gleason grade (if applicable)
Global ISUP grade
Approximate percentage of Gleason grade 4 or 5
Tumour quantitation (optional)
Percentage of prostate involved
Size/volume of dominant tumour nodule
Pathological staging (pTNM)
If extraprostatic extension is present:
indicate whether it is focal or extensive;
specify sites;
indicate whether there is seminal vesicle invasion.
If applicable, regional lymph nodes:
location;
number of nodes retrieved;
number of nodes involved.
Surgical margins
If carcinoma is present at the margin:
specify sites.
Other
Presence of lymphovascular/angio-invasion
Location of dominant tumour
Presence of intraductal carcinoma/cribriform architecture
5.2.7.4.3 ISUP grade in prostatectomy specimens

Grading of conventional prostatic adenocarcinoma using the (ISUP 2014 modified) Gleason system is the
strongest prognostic factor for clinical behaviour and treatment response [75]. The ISUP grade is incorporated
in nomograms that predict disease-specific survival (DSS) after prostatectomy [246].
The ISUP grade is based on the sum of the most and second-most dominant (in terms of volume) Gleason
grade. ISUP grade 1 is any Gleason score < 6 (including < 5% Gleason grade 4). ISUP grades 2 and 3
represent carcinomas constituted of Gleason grade 3 and 4 components, with ISUP grade 2 when 50%
of the carcinoma, or more, is Gleason grade 3 and ISUP grade 3 when the grade 4 component represents
more than 50% of the carcinoma. ISUP grade 4 is largely composed of Gleason grade 4 and ISUP grade 5
of a combination of Gleason grade 4 and 5 or only Gleason grade 5. A global ISUP grade is given for multiple
tumours, but a separate tumour focus with a higher ISUP grade should also be mentioned. Tertiary Gleason
grade 5, particularly if > 5% of the PCa volume, is an unfavourable prognostic indicator for BCR. The tertiary
Gleason grade and its approximate proportion of the cancer volume should also be reported in addition to the
global ISUP grade (see Section 4.2) [247].
5.2.7.4.4 Definition of extraprostatic extension

Extraprostatic extension is defined as carcinoma mixed with periprostatic adipose tissue, or tissue that extends
beyond the prostate gland boundaries (e.g., neurovascular bundle, anterior prostate). Microscopic bladder

neck invasion is considered EPE. It is useful to report the location and extent of EPE because the latter is
related to recurrence risk [248].
There are no internationally accepted definitions of focal or microscopic, vs. non-focal or extensive
EPE. Some describe focal as a few glands [249] or extension as < 1 per high-power field (HPF) [250], whereas
others measure the depth of extent in millimetres [251].
At the apex of the prostate, tumour mixed with skeletal muscle does not constitute EPE. In the
bladder neck, microscopic invasion of smooth muscle fibres is not equated to bladder wall invasion, i.e. not as
pT4, because it does not carry independent prognostic significance for PCa recurrence [252, 253] and should
be recorded as EPE (pT3a). A positive margin at the bladder neck should be reported as EPE (pT3a) with
positive margin, and not as pT4. Stage pT4 is only assigned when the tumour invades the bladder muscle wall
as determined macroscopically [254].
5.2.7.4.5 PCa volume

The independent prognostic value of PCa volume in RP specimens has not been established [250, 255-258].
Nevertheless, a cut-off of 0.5 mL is traditionally used to distinguish insignificant from clinically relevant cancer
[255]. Improvement in prostatic radio-imaging allows more accurate pre-operative measurement of cancer
volume. It is recommended that at least the diameter/volume of the dominant tumour nodule should be
assessed, or a rough estimate of the percentage of cancer tissue provided [259].
5.2.7.4.6 Surgical margin status

Surgical margin is an independent risk factor for BCR. Margin status is positive if tumour cells are in contact
with the ink on the specimen surface. Margin status is negative if tumour cells are close to the inked surface
[256] or at the surface of the tissue lacking ink. In tissues that have severe crush artefacts, it may not be
possible to determine margin status [260].
Surgical margin is separate from pathological stage, and a positive margin is not evidence of EPE
[261]. There is insufficient evidence to prove a relationship between margin extent and recurrence risk [250].
However, some indication must be given of the multifocality extent of margin positivity, such as the linear
extent in mm of involvement: focal, < 1 mm vs. extensive, > 1 mm [262], or number of blocks with positive
margin involvement. Gleason score at the positive margin was found to correlate with outcome, and should be
reported [263].
5.2.8 Guidelines for the clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer

In symptomatic men, base the initial decision to perform a biopsy on prostate- 2b Strong
specific antigen testing and digital rectal examination.
Perform transrectal prostate needle biopsies under antibiotic protection. 1b Strong
Use a local anaesthetic by periprostatic infiltration for transrectal prostate needle 1a Strong
biopsies.
Do not offer transition zone sampling at initial biopsies due to low detection rates. 2b Weak
Ensure that prostate core biopsies from different sites are submitted separately for 3 Strong
processing and pathology reporting.
Use the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) 2014 system for grading 2a Strong
of PCa.
Do not use transurethral resection of the prostate as a tool for cancer detection. 2a Strong
5.3 Diagnosis – Clinical Staging

The extent of PCa is evaluated by DRE and PSA, and may be supplemented with mpMRI, bone scanning and
computed tomography (CT).
5.3.1 T-staging
The cT category used in the risk table only refers to the DRE finding. The imaging parameters and biopsy
results for local staging are, so far, not part of the risk category stratification.
5.3.1.1 TRUS
Transrectal ultrasound is no more accurate at predicting organ-confined disease than DRE [264]. Transrectal
US-derived techniques (e.g. 3D-TRUS, colour Doppler) cannot differentiate between T2 and T3 tumours with
sufficient accuracy to be recommended for staging [197, 265, 266].

5.3.1.2 mpMRI
T2-weighted imaging remains the most useful method for local staging on mpMRI. At 1.5 Tesla, mpMRI has
good specificity but low sensitivity for detecting T3 stages. Pooled data from a meta-analysis for EPE, SVI,
and overall stage T3, showed a sensitivity and specificity of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.49-0.64) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88-
0.93), 0.58 (95% CI: 0.47-0.68) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.95-0.97), and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.54-0.67) and 0.88 (95% CI:
0.85-0.91), respectively [267]. Multiparametric MRI cannot detect microscopic EPE. Its sensitivity increases
with the radius of extension within periprostatic fat. In one study, the EPE detection rate increased from 14
to 100% when the radius of extension increased from < 1 mm to > 3 mm [268]. In another study, mpMRI
sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for detecting pT3 stage were 40%, 95% and 76%, respectively, for focal
(i.e. microscopic) EPE, and 62%, 95% and 88% for extensive EPE [269].
The use of high field strength (3 Tesla) or functional imaging in addition to T2-weighted imaging
improves sensitivity for EPE or SVI detection [267], but the experience of the reader remains of paramount
importance [270] and the inter-reader agreement remains moderate with kappa values ranging from 0.41 to
0.68 [271]. Multiparametric MRI, although not perfect for local staging, may improve the prediction of the
pathological stage when combined with clinical data [272, 273]. Other MRI-derived parameters such as the
tumour volume or the contact length of the tumour with the capsule [274-276], or the ISUP grade obtained
through MRI-TBx [277] could further improve the local staging.
Given its low sensitivity for focal (microscopic) EPE, mpMRI is not recommended for local staging in
low-risk patients [272, 278, 279]. However, mpMRI can still be useful for treatment planning.
5.3.2 N-staging
5.3.2.1 Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging
Abdominal CT and T1-T2-weighted MRI indirectly assess nodal invasion by using LN diameter and
morphology. However, the size of non-metastatic LNs varies widely and may overlap the size of LN metastases.
Usually, LNs with a short axis > 8 mm in the pelvis and > 10 mm outside the pelvis are considered malignant.
Decreasing these thresholds improves sensitivity but decreases specificity. As a result, the ideal size threshold
remains unclear [280, 281]. Computed tomography and MRI sensitivity is less than 40% [282, 283]. Among
4,264 patients, 654 (15.3%) of whom had positive LNs at LND, CT was positive in only 105 patients (2.5%)
[280]. In a multicentre database of 1,091 patients who underwent pelvic LN dissection, CT sensitivity and
specificity were 8.8% and 98%, respectively [284]. Detection of microscopic LN invasion by CT is < 1% in
patients with ISUP grade < 4 cancer, PSA < 20 ng/mL, or localised disease [285-287].
Diffusion-weighted MRI may detect metastases in normal-sized nodes, but a negative diffusion-
weighted MRI cannot rule out the presence of LN metastases [281, 288].
5.3.2.2 Choline PET/CT

In a meta-analysis of 609 patients, pooled sensitivity and specificity of choline PET/CT for pelvic LN
metastases were 62% (95% CI: 51-66%) and 92% (95% CI: 89-94%), respectively [289]. In a prospective
trial of 75 patients at intermediate risk of nodal involvement (10-35%), the sensitivity was only 8.2% at
region-based analysis and 18.9% at patient-based analysis, which is too low to be of clinical value [290]. The
sensitivity of choline PET/CT increases to 50% in patients at high risk and to 71% in patients at very high risk,
in both cases outperforming contrast-enhanced CT [291]. However, comparisons between choline PET/CT and
diffusion-weighted MRI yielded contradictory results, with PET/CT sensitivity found to be superior [292], similar
[293, 294] or inferior [290] than that of diffusion-weighted MRI.
Due of its low sensitivity, choline PET/CT does not reach clinically acceptable diagnostic accuracy
for detection of LN metastases, or to rule out a nodal dissection based on risk factors or nomograms (see
Section 6.1.2.1.1).
5.3.2.3 Prostate-specific membrane antigen-based PET/CT

68Ga- 18
or F-labelled prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT (PSMA PET/CT) is increasingly used,
because it provides excellent contrast-to-noise ratio, thereby improving the detectability of lesions. Prostate-
specific membrane antigen is also an attractive target because of its specificity for prostate tissue, even if non-
prostatic expression of PSMA in other malignancies, sarcoidosis or benign bone diseases may cause incidental
false-positive findings [295-298].
Preliminary assessment of PSMA PET/CT showed promising sensitivity for LN involvement.
A meta-analysis of five retrospective studies using histological correlation as reference standard and performed
in an initial staging and/or recurrence setting reported combined sensitivities and specificities of 86% (95%
CI: 37-98%) and 86% (95% CI: 3-100%) at patient level, and 80% (95% CI: 66-89%) and 97% (95% CI:
92-99%) at lesion level, [299] using LND as reference. A multicentre prospective study has recently compared
PSMA PET/CT and LN dissection findings in 51 high-risk patients with negative 99mTc bone scan. At patient
level, PSMA PET/CT sensitivity and specificity were 53% and 86%, respectively. The mean maximal length
of metastases within LNs detected and missed by PSMA PET/CT was 13.1 ± 7.7 mm and 3.9 ± 2.7 mm

respectively [300]. Another prospective single-centre study also found that metastatic LNs missed by PSMA
PET/CT were on average < 5 mm [301]. The tracer uptake is also influenced by the ISUP grade and the
PSA level. In a series of 90 patients with primary PCa, tumours with a ISUP grade between 1 and 3 showed
significantly lower tracer uptake than tumours with a ISUP grade > 4. Similarly, patients with PSA levels > 10
ng/mL showed significantly higher uptake than those with PSA levels < 10 ng/mL [302].
Comparison between PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI yielded similar results in a group of 42 consecutive
patients with intermediate- to high-risk PCa [303]. Another prospective trial reported superior sensitivity of
PSMA PET/CT as compared to mpMRI for nodal staging of 36 high-risk PCas [304]. Therefore, PSMA PET/CT
has higher sensitivity for LN metastases as compared to abdominal contrast-enhanced CT or choline PET/CT;
however, small LN metastases may still be missed.
5.3.3 M-staging
5.3.3.1 Bone scan
99mTc-Bone scan has been the most widely used method for evaluating bone metastases of PCa. A recent
meta-analysis showed combined sensitivity and specificity of 79% (95% CI: 73-83%) and 82% (95% CI:
78-85%) at patient level and 59% (95% CI: 55-63%) and 75% (95% CI: 71-79%) at lesion level [305]. Bone
scan diagnostic yield is significantly influenced by the PSA level, the clinical stage and the tumour ISUP grade
and these three factors were the only independent predictors of bone scan positivity in a study of 853 patients
[306]. The mean bone scan positivity rate in 23 different series was 2.3% in patients with PSA levels < 10 ng/
mL, 5.3% in patients with PSA levels between 10.1 and 19.9 ng/mL and 16.2% in patients with PSA levels of
20.0-49.9 ng/mL. It was 6.4% in men with organ-confined cancer and 49.5% in men with locally advanced
cancers. Detection rates were 5.6% and 29.9% for ISUP grade 2 and > 3, respectively [280]. In two studies, a
major Gleason pattern of 4 was found to be a significant predictor of positive bone scan [307, 308].
Bone scanning should be performed in symptomatic patients, independent of PSA level, ISUP
grade or clinical stage [280].
5.3.3.2 Fluoride PET and PET/CT, choline PET/CT and MRI

18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) PET or PET/CT shows similar specificity and superior sensitivity to bone scan
[309, 310]. However, unlike choline PET/CT, 18F-NaF PET does not detect LN metastases, and is less cost-
effective compared to bone scan [309].
It remains unclear whether choline PET/CT is more sensitive than bone scan, but it has higher
specificity, with fewer indeterminate bone lesions [289, 311, 312].
Diffusion-weighted whole-body and axial MRI are more sensitive than bone scan and targeted
conventional radiography in detecting bone metastases in high-risk PCa [313, 314]. Whole-body MRI is also
more sensitive and specific than combined bone scan, targeted radiography and abdominopelvic CT [315].
A meta-analysis found that MRI is more sensitive than choline PET/CT and bone scan for detecting bone
metastases on a per-patient basis, although choline PET/CT had the highest specificity [305].
It is of note that choline PET/CT and diffusion-weighted MRI can also detect visceral metastases.
Bone scan and 18F-NaF PET/CT only assess the presence of bone metastases.
5.3.3.3 Prostate-specific membrane antigen-based PET/CT

There is growing evidence on the performance of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in initial staging. A recent SR including
twelve studies and comprising a total of 322 patients reported high variation in sensitivity (range 33-99%
median sensitivity on per-lesion analysis 33-92%, and on per-patient analysis 66-91%), with good specificity
(per-lesion 82-100%, and per-patient 67-99%), with most studies demonstrating increased detection rates with
respect to conventional imaging modalities (bone scan and CT) [316]. Table 5.3.1 reports the data of the five
studies including histopathologic correlation.
Table 5.3.1: PSMA PET/CT results in primary staging alone [316]
Study Sensitivity Specificity PPV NPV

(per lesion) (per lesion) (per lesion) (per lesion)
Budaus 33% 100% 100% 69%
Herlemann 84% 82% 84% 82%
Van Leeuwen 58% 100% 94% 98%
Maurer 74% 99% 95% 94%
Rahbar 92% 92% 96% 85%
NPV = negative predictive value; PPV = positive predictive value.

One prospective multicentre study evaluated changes in planned management before and after PSMA PET/CT
in 108 intermediate- and high-risk patients referred for primary staging. As compared to conventional staging,
additional LNs and bone/visceral metastases were detected in 25% and 6% of patients, respectively [317];
management changes occurred in 21% of patients.
5.3.4 Summary of evidence and practical considerations on initial N/M staging

The field of non-invasive nodal and metastatic staging of PCa is evolving very rapidly. Evidence shows that
choline PET/CT, PSMA PET/CT and MRI provide a more sensitive detection of LN and bone metastases than
the classical work-up associating bone scan and abdominopelvic CT. It could be tempting to conclude that
bone scan and abdominopelvic CT must be replaced by more sensitive tests in all patients undergoing initial
PCa staging. Yet, the clinical benefit of detecting metastases at an earlier time-point remains unclear [318].
The prognosis and ideal management of patients diagnosed as metastatic by these more sensitive
tests is unknown. In particular, it is unclear whether patients with metastases, detectable only with PET/CT or
MRI, should be managed using systemic therapies, or whether they should be submitted to aggressive local
and metastases-directed therapies [319].
Results from RCTs evaluating the management and outcome of patients with (and without)
metastases detected by choline PET/CT, PSMA PET/CT and MRI are awaited, before a decision can be made
to treat patients based on the results of these tests [320].
5.3.5 Guidelines for staging of prostate cancer
Any risk group staging LE Strength rating

Do not use computed tomography and transrectal ultrasound for local staging. 2a Strong
Use pre-biopsy mpMRI for staging information. 2a Weak
Low-risk localised disease
Do not use additional imaging for staging purposes. 2a Strong
Intermediate-risk disease
In ISUP grade > 3, include at least a cross-sectional abdominopelvic imaging and 2a Weak
bone-scan for metastatic screening.
High-risk localised disease/locally advanced disease
Perform metastatic screening including at least cross-sectional abdominopelvic 2a Strong
imaging and a bone-scan.
5.4 Evaluating life expectancy and health status

5.4.1 Introduction
Evaluation of life expectancy and health status is important in clinical decision-making on screening, diagnosis,
and treatment of PCa. Prostate cancer is common in older men (median age 68) and diagnoses in men > 65 will
result in a 70% increase in annual diagnosis by 2030 in Europe and the USA [321, 322].
Active treatment mostly benefits patients with intermediate- or high-risk PCa and longest expected
survival. In localised disease, over ten years life expectancy is considered mandatory for any benefit from local
treatment and an improvement in CSS may take longer to become apparent. Older age and worse baseline
health status have been associated with a smaller benefit in PCa-specific mortality (PCSM) and life expectancy
of surgery vs. AS [323]. Although in a RCT the benefit of surgery with respect to death from PCa was largest in
men < 65 years of age (RR: 0.45), RP was associated with a reduced risk of metastases and use of androgen
deprivation therapy (ADT) among older men (RR: 0.68 and 0.60, respectively) [324]. External beam radiotherapy
shows similar cancer control regardless of age, assuming a dose of > 72 Gy when using intensity-modulated or
image-guided RT [325].
Older men with a high incidence of PCa may be under-treated despite the high overall mortality
rates [326, 327]. Of all PCa-related deaths 71% occur in men aged > 75 years [328], probably due to the
higher incidence of advanced disease and death from PCa despite higher death rates from competing causes
[329-331]. In the USA, only 41% of patients aged > 75 years with intermediate- and high-risk disease receive
curative treatment compared to 88% aged 65-74 [332].
5.4.2 Life expectancy

Life expectancy tables for European men are available at: http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.
do?dataset=demo_mlexpec&lang=en. Individual survival may be very variable and therefore must be
individualised. Gait speed is a good single predictive measure (from a standing start, at usual pace, generally
over six meters). For men at age 75, ten-year survival ranged from 19% < 0.4 m/s to 87%, for > 1.4 m/s [333].

Figure 5.4.1: Predicted Median Life Expectancy by Age and Gait Speed for males* [333].
*Figure reproduced with permission of the publisher, from Studenski S, et al. JAMA 2011 305(1)50.
5.4.3 Health status screening

The International SIOG PCa Working Group recommends that treatment for senior adults should be based
on a systematic evaluation of health status using the G8 (Geriatric 8) screening tool (Table 5.4.1) [334].
Healthy patients with a G8 score > 14 or frail patients with reversible impairment after resolution of their
geriatric problems should receive the same treatment as younger patients. Disabled patients with irreversible
impairment should receive adapted treatment. Patients who are too ill should receive only palliative treatment
(Figure 1) [334]. Patients with a G8 score < 14 should undergo a full geriatric evaluation as this score is
associated with three-year mortality, assessing comorbidity, nutritional status, and cognitive and physical
functions, to determine if the impairment is reversible [335].
5.4.3.1 Comorbidity
Comorbidity is a major predictor of non-cancer-specific death in localised PCa treated with RP and is more
important than age [336, 337]. Ten years after not receiving active treatment for PCa, most men with a high
comorbidity score had died from competing causes, irrespective of age or tumour aggressiveness [336].
Measures for comorbidity include: Cumulative Illness Score Rating-Geriatrics (CISR-G) [338, 339] (Table 5.4.2)
and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) [340].
5.4.3.2 Nutritional status

Malnutrition can be estimated from body weight during the previous three months (good nutritional status < 5%
weight loss; risk of malnutrition: 5-10% weight loss; severe malnutrition: > 10% weight loss) [341].
5.4.3.3 Cognitive function

Cognitive impairment can be measured using mini-COG (https://mini-cog.com/), which assesses the patient’s
ability to make an informed decision which is an increasingly important factor in health status assessment [342-
344].
5.4.3.4 Physical function

Measures for overall physical functioning include: Karnofsky score and ECOG scores [345]. Measures for
dependence in daily activities include: Activities of Daily Living (ADL; basic activities) and Instrumental Activities
of Daily Living (IADL; activities requiring higher cognition and judgement) [346-348].

5.4.4 Conclusion
Individual life expectancy, health status, and comorbidity, not only age, should be central in clinical decisions
on screening, diagnostics, and treatment for PCa. A life expectancy of ten years is most commonly used as a
threshold for benefit of local treatment. Older men may be undertreated. Resolution of impairments in frail men
allows a similar urological approach as in fit patients.
Table 5.4.1: G8 screening tool (adapted from [349])
Items Possible responses (score)

A Has food intake declined over the past 3 months 0 = severe decrease in food intake
due to loss of appetite, digestive problems, 1 = moderate decrease in food intake
chewing, or swallowing difficulties? 2 = no decrease in food intake
B Weight loss during the last 3 months? 0 = weight loss > 3 kg
1 = does not know
2 = weight loss between 1 and 3 kg
3 = no weight loss
C Mobility? 0 = bed or chair bound
1 = able to get out of bed/chair but does not go out
2 = goes out
D Neuropsychological problems? 0 = severe dementia or depression
1 = mild dementia
2 = no psychological problems
E BMI? (weight in kg)/(height in m2) 0 = BMI < 19
1 = BMI 19 to < 21
2 = BMI 21 to < 23
3 = BMI ≥ 23
F Takes more than three prescription drugs per 0 = yes
day? 1 = no
G In comparison with other people of the same 0.0 = not as good
age, how does the patient consider his/her health 0.5 = does not know
status? 1.0 = as good
2.0 = better
Age 0: > 85
1: 80-85
2: < 80
Total score 0-17

Figure 5.4.1: Decision tree for health status screening (men > 70 years)* [334]
Screening with G8 and mini-COGTM
Score > 14 Score ≤ 14

No simplified Simplified
geriatric geriatric
evalua on is evalua on is
needed mandatory
Reversible = Nonreversible =
- Abnormal ADL: 1 or 2 - Abnormal ADL: ≥ 2
- Weight loss 5–10% - Weight loss > 10%
- Comorbidi es CISR-G - Comorbidi es CISR-G
grades 1-2 grades 3-4
CGA then
geriatric
intervenon
Disabled/severe
Fit Frail
comorbidies
*Reproduced with permission of Elsevier, from Droz J-P, et al. Eur Urol 2017:72(4); 521 [334].
Mini-COGTM = cognitive test; ADL = activities of daily living; CIRS-G = cumulative illness rating score-
geriatrics; CGA = comprehensive geriatric assessment.
Table 5.4.2: Cumulative Illness Score Rating-Geriatrics (CISR-G)
1 Cardiac (heart only)

2 Hypertension (rating is based on severity; affected systems are rated separately)
3 Vascular (blood, blood vessels and cells, marrow, spleen, lymphatics)
4 Respiratory (lungs, bronchi, trachea below the larynx)
5 ENT (eye, ear, nose, throat, larynx)
6 Upper GI (esophagus, stomach, duodenum. Biliar and parcreatic trees; do not include diabetes)
7 Lower GI (intestines, hernias)
8 Hepatic (liver only)
9 Renal (kidneys only)
10 Other GU (ureters, bladder, urethra, prostate, genitals)
11 Musculo-Skeletal-Integumentary (muscles, bone, skin)
12 Neurological (brain, spinal cord, nerves; do not include dementia)
13 Endocrine-Metabolic (includes diabetes, diffuse infections, infections, toxicity)
14 Psychiatric/Behavioural (includes dementia, depression, anxiety, agitation, psychosis)
All body systems are scores on a 0 - 4 scale.
- 0: No problem affecting that system.
- 1: Current mild problem or past significant problem.
- 2: Moderate disability or morbidity and/or requires first line therapy.
- 3: S
evere problem and/or constant and significant disability and/or hard to control chronic
problems.
- 4: E
xtremely severe problem and/or immediate treatment required and/or organ failure and/or
severe functional impairment.
Total score 0-52

5.4.5 Guidelines for evaluating health status and life expectancy

Use individual life expectancy, health status, and comorbidity in PCa management. Strong
Systematically screen the health status of older men (> 70 years) diagnosed with PCa. Strong
Use the Geriatric-8 and mini-COG tools for health status screening. Strong
Perform a full specialist geriatric evaluation in patients with a G8 score < 14. Strong
Consider standard treatment in frail patients with reversible impairments (after resolution of Weak
geriatric problems) similar to fit patients, if life expectancy is > 10 years.
Offer adapted treatment to patients with irreversible impairment. Weak
Offer palliation to patients with poor health status. Weak
6. TREATMENT
This chapter reviews the available treatment modalities, followed by separate sections addressing treatment for
the various disease stages.
6.1 Treatment modalities

6.1.1 Deferred treatment (active surveillance/watchful waiting)
In localised disease a life expectancy of at least ten years is considered mandatory for any benefit from local
treatment. Remember that comorbidity is more important than age in predicting life expectancy in men with
PCa. Increasing comorbidity greatly increases the risk of dying from non-PCa-related causes and for those
men with a short life expectancy, watchful waiting (WW) with symptom-guided treatment is appropriate in order
to maintain QoL [350]. In addition, many men with low-risk screening-detected localised PCa will not benefit
from curative treatment [351]. Mortality from untreated screen-detected PCa in patients with ISUP grade 1-2
might be as low as 7% at fifteen years follow-up [351]. Consequently, approximately 45% of men with PSA-
detected PCa are suitable for close follow-up through a robust surveillance programme.
There are two distinct strategies for conservative management that aim to reduce over-treatment:
AS and WW (Table 6.1.1).
6.1.1.1 Definitions
Active surveillance aims to avoid unnecessary treatment in men with clinically localised PCa who do not require
immediate treatment, but at the same time achieve the correct timing for curative treatment in those who
eventually do [352]. Patients remain under close surveillance through structured surveillance programmes with
regular follow-up, and curative treatment is prompted by predefined thresholds indicative of potentially life-
threatening disease which is still potentially curable, while considering individual life expectancy.
Watchful waiting refers to conservative management for patients deemed unsuitable for curative treatment
right from the outset, and patients are ‘watched’ for the development of local or systemic progression with
(imminent) disease-related complaints, at which stage they are then treated palliatively according to their
symptoms, in order to maintain QoL.
Table 6.1.1: Definitions of active surveillance and watchful waiting [351]
Active surveillance Watchful waiting

Treatment intent Curative Palliative
Follow-up Predefined schedule Patient-specific
Assessment/markers used DRE, PSA, re-biopsy, mpMRI Not predefined
Life expectancy > 10 years < 10 years
Aim Minimise treatment-related toxicity Minimise treatment-related toxicity
without compromising survival
Comments Low-risk patients Can apply to patients with all stages
DRE = digital rectal examination; PSA = prostate-specific antigen; mpMRI = multiparametric magnetic
resonance imaging.

6.1.1.2 Active surveillance
No formal RCT is available comparing this modality to standard treatment. The Prostate Testing for Cancer
and Treatment (ProtecT) trial is discussed later as it is not a formal AS strategy but rather Active Monitoring
(AM), which would represent a ‘very light’ AS strategy with less stringent surveillance criteria in terms of clinical
follow-up, imaging and repeat biopsies [353].
Several cohorts have investigated AS in organ-confined disease, the findings of which were summarised in a
SR [354]. More recently, the largest prospective series of men with low-risk PCa managed by AS was published
[355]. Table 6.1.2 summarises the results of selective AS cohorts. It is clear that the long-term OS and CSS for
patients on AS are extremely good. However, more than one-third of patients are ‘re-classified’ during follow-
up, most of whom require curative treatment due to disease upgrading, increase in disease extent, disease
stage, progression or patient preference. There is considerable variation and heterogeneity between studies
regarding patient selection and eligibility, follow-up policies (including frequency and type of imaging such as
mpMRI scan, type and frequency of repeat prostate biopsies, such as MRI-targeted biopsies or transperineal
template biopsies, use of PSA kinetics and density, and frequency of clinical follow-up), when active treatment
should be instigated (i.e. reclassification criteria), and which outcome measures should be prioritised [352].
These will be discussed further in section 6.2.1.
Table 6.1.2: Active surveillance in screening-detected prostate cancer
Studies n Median FU (mo) pT3 in RP patients 10-year 10-year

OS (%) CSS (%)
Van As, et al. 2008 [356] 326 22 8/18 (44%) 98 100
Carter, et al. 2007 [350] 407 41 10/49 (20%) 98 100
Adamy, et al. 2011 [357] 533-1,000 48 4/24 (17%) 90 99
Soloway, et al. 2010 [358] 99 45 0/2 100 100
Roemeling, et al. 2007 [359] 278 41 - 89 100
Khatami, et al. 2007 [360] 270 63 - n.r. 100
Klotz, et al. 2015 [361] 993 77 - 85 98.1
Tosoian, et al. 2015 [355] 1,298 60 - 93 99.9
Total 4,204-4,671 46.5 - 93 100
* Patients receiving active therapy following initial active surveillance.
CSS = cancer-specific survival; FU = follow-up; mo = months; n = number of patients; n.r. = not reported;
OS = overall survival; RP = radical prostatectomy.
6.1.1.3 Watchful Waiting

6.1.1.3.1 Introduction
Studies on WW have included patients with up to 25 years of follow-up, with endpoints of OS and CSS.
Several series have shown a consistent CSS rate of 82-87% at ten years [362-367], and 80-95% for T1/T2
and ISUP grade < 2 [368]. In three studies with data beyond fifteen years, the DSS was 80%, 79% and 58%
[364, 366, 367], and two reported twenty-year CSS rates of 57% and 32%, respectively [364, 366]. Many
patients classified as ISUP grade 1 would now be classified as ISUP grade 2-3 based on the 2005 Gleason
classification, suggesting that the above-mentioned results should be considered as minimal. Patients
with well-, moderately- and poorly-differentiated tumours had ten-year CSS rates of 91%, 90% and 74%,
respectively, correlating with data from the pooled analysis [368]. Observation was most effective in men aged
65-75 years with low-risk PCa [369].
In an analysis at ten years follow up in 19,639 patients aged > 65 years who were not given curative treatment,
most men with a CCI score > 2 died from competing causes at ten years whatever their initial age. Tumour
aggressiveness had little impact on OS suggesting that patients could have been spared biopsy and diagnosis
of cancer. Men with a CCI score < 1 had a low risk of death at ten years, especially for well- or moderately-
differentiated lesions [336]. This highlights the importance of checking the CCI before considering a biopsy.
6.1.1.3.2 Outcome of watchful waiting compared with active treatment

The SPCG-4 study randomised patients to either WW or RP (Table 6.1.3) [324] before the PSA era and found
RP to provide superior CSS, OS and progression-free survival (PFS) compared to WW at a median follow-up
of 13.4 years (range 3 weeks - 23.2 years). The PIVOT trial made a similar comparison in 731 randomised
men (50% with non-palpable disease) [370] but in contrast to SPCG-4, it found no benefit of RP within a
median follow-up period of 12.7 years (interquartile range, 7.3 to 15.5 years). Only patients with serum PSA
> 10 ng/mL or high-risk PCa had a significant OS benefit from RP, with a RR reduction in mortality of 33% and

31%, respectively. Patients who underwent RP also had a significant reduction in bone metastases (4.7% vs.
10.6%). Overall, no adverse effects on HRQoL and psychological well-being was apparent in the first years
[371]. However, one of the criticisms of the PIVOT trial is the relatively high-observed overall mortality rate in
the WW group (almost 50% at a median of ten years), compared with more contemporary series.
Table 6.1.3: Outcome of SPCG-4 at fifteen years follow-up [324]
RP (n = 348) (%) Watchful waiting Relative risk p-value

(n = 348) (%) (95% CI)
Disease-specific mortality 14.6 20.7 0.62 0.010
Overall mortality 46.1 57.2 0.75 (0.61-0.92) 0.007
Metastatic progression 21.7 33.4 0.59 (0.45-0.79) < 0.001
Local progression 21.5 49.3 0.34 (0.26-0.45) n.r.
CI = confidence interval; n.r. = not reported; RP = radical prostatectomy.
6.1.1.4 The ProtecT study

The ProtecT trial randomised 1,643 patients, three-ways, between active treatment (RP or EBRT) and AM
[353]. In this AM schedule, patients with a PSA rise of more than 50% in twelve months underwent a repeat
biopsy, but none had systematic repeat biopsies. Fifty-six percent of patients had low-risk disease, with 90%
having a PSA < 10 ng/mL, 77% ISUP grade 1 (20% ISUP grade 2-3), and 76% T1c, while the other were mainly
intermediate risk. After ten years of follow up, the CSS was the same between those actively treated and those
on AM (99% and 98.8%, respectively), as was the OS. Only metastatic progression differed (6% in the AM
group as compared to 2.6% in the treated group).
The key finding is that AM is as effective as active treatment at ten years, at a cost of increased
progression and double the metastatic risk. Metastases remained quite rare (6%), but more frequent than
seen with AS protocols probably driven by differences in intensity of monitoring and patient selection. It is
important to note that the AM arm in ProtecT represents an intermediate approach between contemporary AS
protocols and WW in terms of a monitoring strategy based almost entirely on PSA measurements alone; there
was no use of mpMRI scan either at recruitment nor during the monitoring period, nor was there any protocol-
mandated repeat prostate biopsies at regular intervals. In addition, approximately 40% of randomised patients
had intermediate-risk disease.
Nevertheless, in spite of these caveats, the ProtecT study has reinforced the role of deferred active
treatment (i.e. either AS or some form of initial AM) as a feasible alternative to active curative interventions
for patients with low-grade and low-stage disease. Beyond ten years, no data is available as yet, and AS
is possibly safer, especially in younger men, based on initial patient selection and more stringent criteria
regarding follow-up, imaging, repeat biopsy and reclassification. Individual life expectancy must be evaluated
before considering any active treatment in low-risk situations, and for those with up to ten years individual life
expectancy, AM or WW are probably very good options.
6.1.2 Radical prostatectomy

The goal of RP by any approach is the eradication of cancer, while whenever possible, preserving continence
and potency [372]. The procedure involves removing the entire prostate with its capsule intact and seminal
vesicles, followed by undertaking vesico-urethral anastomosis. Since its description in 1905, the technique has
evolved. An estimation of life expectancy is paramount in counselling a patient about surgery [362] (see Section
5.4 – Evaluating health status and life expectancy). The main results from multicentre RCTs involving RP are
summarised in Table 6.1.4.
Table 6.1.4: Oncological results of radical prostatectomy in organ-confined disease in RCTs
Study Acronym Population Year of Median Risk category CSS (%)

treatment FU (mo)
Bill-Axelson, et al. SPCG-4 Pre-PSA era 1989-1999 283 Low risk and 80.4
2018 [373] Intermediate risk (at 23 yr.)
Wilt, et al. PIVOT Early years of 1994-2002 152 Low risk 95.9
2017 [370] PSA testing Intermediate risk 91.5
(at 19.5 yr.)
Hamdy, et al. ProtecT Screened 1999-2009 120 Mainly low- and 99
2016 [353] population intermediate risk (at 10 yr.)
CSS = cancer-specific survival; FU = follow-up; mo = months; PSA = prostate-specific antigen; yr. = year.

6.1.2.1 Surgical techniques
Prostatectomy can be performed by open, laparoscopic or robot-assisted (RARP) approaches. In a randomised
phase III trial, RARP was shown to have reduced admission times and blood loss but not early (twelve weeks)
functional or oncological outcomes [374]. An updated analysis with follow-up at 24 months did not reveal any
significant differences in functional outcomes between the approaches [375]. Increased surgical experience
has lowered the complication rates of RP and improved cancer cure [366-369]. Lower rates of positive surgical
margins for high-volume surgeons suggest that experience and careful attention to surgical details, can
improve cancer control with RP [376-378]. There is a lack of studies comparing the different surgical modalities
for these longer-term outcomes [365, 370, 371, 379]. A first SR and meta-analysis of non-RCTs demonstrated
that RARP had lower perioperative morbidity and a reduced risk of positive surgical margins compared with
laparoscopic prostatectomy (LRP), although there was considerable methodological uncertainty [380]. There
was no evidence of differences in urinary incontinence at twelve months and there was insufficient evidence
to draw conclusions on differences in cancer-related, patient-driven or erectile dysfunction (ED) outcomes.
Another SR and meta-analysis included two small RCTs comparing RARP vs. LRP [381]. The results suggested
higher rates of return of erectile function (RR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.19-1.92) and return to continence function
(RR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.04-1.24) in the RARP group. However, a recent Cochrane review comparing either
RARP or LRP vs. open RP included two RCTs and found no significant differences between the comparisons
for oncological, urinary function and sexual function outcomes, although RARP and LRP both resulted in
statistically significant improvements in duration of hospital stay and blood transfusion rates over open RP
[382]. Therefore, no surgical approach can be recommended over another.
6.1.2.1.1 Pelvic lymph node dissection

A recent SR demonstrated that performing pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during RP failed to improve
oncological outcomes, including survival [383]. However, it is generally accepted that extended pelvic LN
dissection (eLND) provides important information for staging and prognosis which cannot be matched by
any other currently available procedure [383]. The individual risk of finding positive LNs can be estimated
using pre-operative tools. A recent SR and meta-analysis found similar diagnostic accuracy in predicting LN
invasion between the Briganti, Partin and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) nomograms
[384]. However, only a few of these tools are based on eLND templates. A risk of nodal metastases over 5%
(Briganti nomogram [385, 386] or Roach formula [387] which has been shown to be almost as good as the
nomogram) is an indication to perform nodal sampling by an extended nodal dissection [388-390]. Extended
LND includes removal of the nodes overlying the external iliac artery and vein, the nodes within the obturator
fossa located cranially and caudally to the obturator nerve, and the nodes medial and lateral to the internal iliac
artery. With this template, 94% of patients are correctly staged [391]. However, there is currently no consensus
on the recommended minimum number of LNs which should be retrieved, due to the lack of standardisation of
techniques in tissue harvesting and processing.
6.1.2.1.2 Sentinel node biopsy analysis

The rationale for a sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is based on the concept that a sentinel node is the first to be
involved by migrating tumour cells. Therefore, when this node is negative, it is possible to avoid an ePLND.
There is heterogeneity and variation in techniques in relation to SNB (e.g. the optimal tracer), but a multi-
disciplinary collaborative endeavour attempted to standardise definitions, thresholds and strategies in relation
to techniques of SNB using consensus methods [392]. Indeed SNB has been shown to have a sensitivity of
95.2% and NPV of 98.0% for detecting men with metastases at eLND in a SR [393]. However, there is still
insufficient quality evidence supporting oncological effectiveness of SNB for nodal staging. Sentinel node
biopsy is therefore still considered as an experimental nodal staging procedure.
6.1.2.1.3 Nerve-sparing surgery

Nerve-sparing RP can be performed safely in most men with localised PCa [394, 395]. Relative
contraindications are patients in whom there is a high risk of extracapsular disease, such as any cT2c or cT3
PCa or any ISUP grade > 3 on biopsy. An externally validated nomogram predicting side-specific extracapsular
extension can help guide decision making [396, 397]. If any doubt remains regarding residual tumour, the
surgeon should remove the neurovascular bundle (NVB). Alternatively, the use of intra-operative frozen-section
analysis or imaging with pre-operative mpMRI can help guide these decisions [398, 399].
6.1.2.1.4 Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy

Several RCTs have analysed the impact of neoadjuvant ADT before RP, most of them using a 3 month period.
The main findings were summarised in a Cochrane review [400]. It is associated with a decreased rate of pT3
(downstaging), decreased positive margins, and a lower incidence of positive LNs. These benefits are greater
with increased treatment duration (up to eight months). However, since neither the PSA relapse-free survival
nor CSS were shown to improve, neoadjuvant ADT should not be considered as standard clinical practice.

6.1.2.1.5 Lymph-node-positive patients during radical prostatectomy
Although no RCTs are available, data from prospective cohort studies comparing survival of pN+ patients
(as defined following pathological examination after RP) support that RP may have a survival benefit over
abandonment of RP in node-positive cases [401]. As a consequence there is no role for performing frozen
section of suspicious LNs.
6.1.2.2 Comparing effectiveness of radical prostatectomy vs. other interventions for localised disease
6.1.2.2.1 Radical prostatectomy vs. deferred treatment
Currently, three large prospective RCTs have compared RP over deferred treatment (see Section 6.1.2).
In summary, there was conflicting evidence regarding the benefit of RP over deferred treatment. The only
study to find a benefit of RP over WW (SPCG-4) was conducted in the pre-PSA era [324]. When comparing RP
against WW [370] or against AM [353], no statistically significant benefit in OS at ten years’ of follow-up was
observed. These findings indicate the good prognosis for the majority of patients with low-risk localised PCa,
and highlight the need to carefully risk stratify patients to ensure that patients are appropriately managed and
treated.
6.1.2.2.2 Radical prostatectomy vs. radiotherapy

ProtecT compared RP vs. AM vs. EBRT (combined with six months of ADT) [353]. At a median follow-up of ten
years, there were no differences between surgery vs. EBRT in all oncological outcomes.
6.1.2.3 Acute complications of surgery

Post-operative incontinence and ED are common problems following surgery for PCa. A key consideration
is whether these problems are reduced by using newer techniques such as robotic-assisted laparoscopic
prostatectomy (RALP). Recent SRs have documented complication rates after RALP [380, 402-405], and
can be compared with contemporaneous reports after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) [406]. From
these reports, the mean continence rates at twelve months were 89-100% for patients treated with RALP
and 80-97% for patients treated with RRP. There is, as yet, no evidence from retrospective studies on
differences in urinary incontinence at twelve months and there was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions
on differences in cancer-related, patient-driven or ED outcomes. The major limitations of the included studies
were the retrospective study design and the use of different assessment tools preventing comparison between
techniques and series. Recently, a prospective, controlled, non-RCT of patients undergoing RP in fourteen
centres using RALP or RRP was published. At twelve months after RALP, 21.3% were incontinent, as were
20.2% after RRP. The adjusted OR was 1.08 (95% CI: 0.87-1.34). Erectile dysfunction was observed in 70.4%
after RALP and 74.7% after RRP. The adjusted OR was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.66-0.98) [407]. A RCT comparing RALP
and RRP reported outcomes at twelve weeks in 326 patients and functional outcomes at two years [374]. The
intra-and peri-operative complications of retropubic RP and RALP are listed in Table 6.1.5. The early use of
phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in penile rehabilitation remains controversial resulting in a lack of clear
recommendations (see Section 8.3.2).
Table 6.1.5: Intra-and peri-operative complications of retropubic RP and RALP (Adapted from [380])
Predicted probability of event RALP (%) Laparoscopic RP (%) RRP (%)

Bladder neck contracture 1.0 2.1 4.9
Anastomotic leak 1.0 4.4 3.3
Infection 0.8 1.1 4.8
Organ injury 0.4 2.9 0.8
Ileus 1.1 2.4 0.3
Deep-vein thrombosis 0.6 0.2 1.4
Predicted rates of event RALP (%) Laparoscopic RP (%) RRP (%)
Clavien I 2.1 4.1 4.2
Clavien II 3.9 7.2 17.5
Clavien IIIa 0.5 2.3 1.8
Clavien IIIb 0.9 3.6 2.5
Clavien IVa 0.6 0.8 2.1
Clavien V < 0.1 0.2 0.2
RALP = robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy; RP = radical prostatectomy; RRP = radical retropubic
prostatectomy.

6.1.2.3.1 Early complications of extended lymph node dissection
Pelvic eLND increases morbidity in the treatment of PCa [383]. Overall complication rates of 19.8% vs.
8.2% were noted for eLND vs. limited LND, respectively, with lymphoceles (10.3% vs. 4.6%) being the most
common adverse event. Other authors have reported more acceptable complication rates [408]. Similar rates of
lymphoceles have been observed in RALP series; however, in one subgroup analysis lymphoceles were more
common with the extraperitoneal approach (19%) vs. the transperitoneal approach (0%) [409, 410]. Briganti
et al. [411] also showed more complications after extended compared to limited LND. Twenty percent of men
suffer a complication of some sort after eLND. Thromboembolic events occur in less than 1% of cases.
6.1.3 Radiotherapy
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), with or without image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), is the gold
standard for EBRT.
6.1.3.1 External Beam Radiation Therapy:

6.1.3.1.1 Technical aspects: intensity-modulated external-beam radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric arc
external-beam radiotherapy (VMAT)
Intensity-modulated external-beam radiotherapy and VMAT employ dynamic multileaf collimators, which
automatically and continuously adapt to the contours of the target volume seen by each beam. The advantage
of VMAT over IMRT is shorter treatment times, generally two to three minutes. Both techniques allow for a more
complex distribution of the dose to be delivered within the treatment field and provide concave isodose curves,
which are particularly useful as a means of sparing the rectum. Radiotherapy treatment planning for IMRT and
VMAT differs from that used in conventional EBRT, requiring a computer system capable of ‘inverse planning’,
and the appropriate physics expertise. Treatment plans must conform to pre-specified dose constraints to
critical organs at risk of normal tissue damage, and a formal quality assurance process should be routine.
With dose escalation using IMRT, organ movement becomes a critical issue, in terms of both tumour
control and treatment toxicity. Evolving techniques will therefore combine IMRT with some form of image-
guided radiotherapy (IGRT), in which organ movement can be visualised and corrected for in real time, although
the optimum means of achieving this is still unclear [412]. Tomotherapy is another technique for the delivery of
IMRT, using a linear accelerator mounted on a ring gantry that rotates as the patient is delivered through the
centre of the ring, analogous to spiral CT scanning.
6.1.3.1.2 Dose escalation

Several RCTs have shown that dose escalation (range 74-80 Gy) has a significant impact on five-year
biochemical relapse [413-419]. These trials have generally included patients from several risk groups, and
the use of neoadjuvant/adjuvant hormone therapy (HT) has varied (see Table 6.1.6). The best evidence of
an OS benefit for patients with intermediate- or high-risk PCa, but not with low-risk PCa, comes from a
non-randomised but well conducted propensity matched retrospective analysis of the U.S. National Cancer
Database covering a total of 42,481 patients [420]. In everyday practice, a minimum dose of > 74 Gy is
recommended for EBRT plus hormonal therapy (HT), with no different recommendations according to the
patient’s risk group. If IMRT and IGRT are used for dose escalation, rates of severe late side-effects (> grade 3)
for the rectum are 2-3% and for the GU tract 2-5% [416, 419, 421-434].

Table 6.1.6: Randomised trials of dose escalation in localised PCa
Trial n PCa condition Radiotherapy Follow-up Outcome Results

Dose (median)
MD Anderson 301 T1-T3, N0, M0, 70 vs.78 Gy 9 yr. DSM vs. High risk/PSA > 10
study 2011 PSA 10 ng/mL other cause 16% DSM at 70 Gy
[414] vs. of death 4% DSM at 78 Gy
PSA > 10 ng/mL (p = 0.05)
Higher risk
15% DSM at 70 Gy
2% DSM at 78 Gy
(p = 0.03)
PROG 95-09 393 T1b-T2b 70.2 vs.79.2 Gy 8.9 yr. 10-year All patients:
2010 [415] PSA 15 ng/mL including proton ASTRO BCF 32% BF at 70.2 Gy
75% boost 19.8 vs. 17% BF at 79.2 Gy
28.8 Gy (p < 0.0001)
Low-risk patients:
28% BF at 70.2 Gy
7% BF at 79.2 Gy
(p < 0.0001)
MRC RT01 843 T1b-T3a, N0, M0 64 vs. 74 Gy 10 yr. BFS; OS 43% BFS at 64 Gy
2014 [435] PSA < 50 ng/mL 55% BFS at 74 Gy
neoadjuvant HT (p = 0.0003) 71%
OS both groups
(p = 0.96)
Dutch 664 T1b-T4 143 pts. 68 vs. 78 Gy 110 mo. Freedom 43% FFF at 68 Gy
randomised with (neo) biochemical 49% FFF at 78 Gy
phase III trial adjuvant HT (Phoenix) (p = 0.045)
2014 [419] and/or
clinical failure
at 10 yr.
GETUG 06 306 T1b-T3a, N0, M0 70 vs. 80 Gy 61 mo. BCF (ASTRO) 39% BF at 70 Gy
2011 [418] PSA < 50 ng/mL 28% BF at 80 Gy
RTOG 0126 1,532 T1b-T2b 70.2 vs. 79.2 Gy 100 mo. OS 75% OS at 70.2 Gy
2018 [413] DM 76% OS at 79.2 Gy
ISUP grade 1 + BCF 6% DM at 70.2 Gy
PSA 10-20 ng/mL (ASTRO) 4% DM at 79.2 Gy
or (p = 0.05)
ISUP grade 2/3 + 47% BCF at 70.2 Gy
PSA < 15 ng/mL 31% BCF at 79.2 Gy
(p < 0.001;
Phoenix, p < 0.001)
(B)CF = biochemical failure; BFS = biochemical progression-free survival; DM = distant metastases;
DSM = disease specific mortality; FFF = freedom from biochemical or clinical failure; HT = hormone therapy;
mo = months; n = number of patients; OS = overall survival; PSA = prostate-specific antigen; yr = year.
6.1.3.1.3 Hypofractionation (HFX)

Fractionated RT utilises differences in the DNA repair capacity of normal and tumour tissue, and slowly
proliferating cells are very sensitive to an increased dose per fraction [436]. A meta-analysis of 25 studies
including > 14,000 patients concluded that because PCa has a slow proliferation rate, hypofractionated RT
could be more effective than conventional fractions of 1.8-2 Gy [437]. Hypofractionation (HFX) has the added
advantage of being more convenient for the patient and cheaper for the health care system.
Several studies report on HFX applied in various techniques and, in part, also including HT
[438-446]. An SR concludes that studies on moderate HFX (2.5-4 Gy/fx) delivered with conventional three-
dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT)/IMRT have sufficient follow-up to support the safety of this
therapy, but long-term efficacy data are still lacking [447]. Moderate HFX should only be done by experienced
teams using high quality EBRT using IGRT and IMRT in carefully selected patients and adhere to published
phase III protocols (see Table 6.1.7 below).

Table 6.1.7: Major phase III randomised trials of moderate hypofractionation for primary treatment
Study/ n Risk, ISUP ADT RT Regimen BED, Gy Median Outcome

Author grade, or FU, mo
NCCN
Lee, et al. 550 low risk None 70 Gy/28 fx 80 70 5 yr. DFS 86.3%
2016 [442] 542 73.8 Gy/41 fx 69.6 (n.s.)
5 yr. DFS 85.3%
Dearnaley, 1077/19 fx 15% low 3-6 mo. 57 Gy/19 fx 73.3 62 5 yr. BCDF
et al. CHHiP 1074/20 fx 73% before 60 Gy/20 fx 77.1 85.9% (19 fx)
2012 [438] 1065/37 fx intermediate and 74 Gy/37 fx 74 90.6% (20 fx)
and 2016 12% high during 88.3% (37 fx)
[443] EBRT
Aluwini, et al. 403 30% ISUP None 64.6 Gy/19 fx 90.4 60 5 yr. RFS 80.5%
2015 [441], 392 grade 1 78 Gy/39 fx 78 (n.s.)
2016 [444, 45% ISUP 5 yr. RFS 77.1%
445] grade 2-3,
25% ISUP
grade 4-5
Catton, et al. 608 intermediate None 60 Gy/20 fx 77.1 72 5 yr. BCDF both
2017 [446] risk arms 85%
53% T1c HR: 0.96 (n.s)
46% T2a-c
598 9% ISUP 78 Gy/39 fx
grade 1 78
63% ISUP
grade 2
28% ISUP
grade 3
ADT = androgen deprivation therapy; BCDF = biochemical or clinical disease failure; BED = biologically
equivalent dose, calculated to be equivalent in 2 Gy fractions using an a/ß of 1.5 Gy; DFS = disease-free
survival; EBRT = external beam radiotherapy; FU = follow-up; fx = fractions; HR = hazard ratio; n = number of
patients; NCCN = National Comprehensive Cancer Network; n.s. = not significant; y = year.
Extreme HFX has been defined as radiotherapy with > 3.4 Gy per fraction [448]. It requires IGRT and
stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Table 6.1.8 gives an overview of selected studies. Short-term
biochemical control is comparable to conventional fractionation. However, there are concerns about high-grade
GU and rectal toxicity, and long-term side-effects may not all be known yet [447, 449, 450]. Therefore it seems
prudent to restrict extreme HFX to prospective clinical trials and to inform patients on the uncertainties of the
long-term outcome.
Table 6.1.8: Selected trials on extreme hypofractionation for intact localised PCa
Reference n med FU Risk-Group Regimen (TD/fx) Outcome

(mo)
Freeman, et al. 1,743 - 41% low 35-40 Gy/4-5 fx FFBF 92% at 2 yr.
2014 [451] 42% intermediate (8% SBRT-boost 99% low risk
10% high 19.5-21.8 Gy/3 fx 97-85% intermediate
7% data missing after 45-50 Gy EBRT) 87% high risk
Katz, et al. 2014 515 72 63% low 30% 35-36.25 Gy/5 fx FFBF at 7 yr.
[452] intermediate 7% 96% low risk
high 89% intermediate
69% high risk
EBRT = external beam radiotherapy in standard fractionation; FFBF = freedom from biochemical failure;
FU = follow-up; fx = number fractions; mo = months; n = number of patients; TD = total dose;
SBRT = stereotactic body radiotherapy; y = year.

6.1.3.1.4 Neoadjuvant or adjuvant hormone therapy plus radiotherapy
The combination of RT with luteinising-hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) ADT has definitively proven its
superiority compared with RT alone followed by deferred ADT on relapse, as shown by phase III RCTs [453-
457] (Table 6.1.9). The main message is that for intermediate risk a short duration of around 6 months is
optimal, while a longer one, around three years, is needed for high-risk patients.
Table 6.1.9: Selected studies of use and duration of ADT in combination with RT for PCa
Trial TNM stage n Trial ADT RT Effect on OS

RTOG 85-31 T3 or N1 M0 977 EBRT ± ADT Orchiectomy or 65-70 Gy RT Significant benefit for
2005 [454] LHRH agonist combined treatment
15% RP (p = 0.002) seems to
be mostly caused by
patients with ISUP grade
2-5
RTOG 94-13 T1c-4 N0-1 1292 ADT timing 2 mo. Whole pelvic No significant difference
2007 [458] M0 comparison neoadjuvant RT vs. between neoadjuvant
plus prostate only; plus concomitant vs.
concomitant vs. 70.2 Gy adjuvant androgen
4 mo. adjuvant suppression therapy
suppression groups (interaction
suspected)
RTOG 86-10 T2-4 N0-1 456 EBRT ± ADT Goserelin plus 65-70 Gy RT No significant difference
2008 [455] flutamide 2 mo. at 10 yr.
before, plus
concomitant
therapy
D’Amico AV, T2 N0 M0 206 EBRT ± ADT LHRH agonist 70 Gy Significant benefit (HR:
et al. 2008 (localised plus flutamide 3D-CRT 0·55, 95% CI: 0.34-
[456] unfavourable for 6 mo. 0.90, p = 0.01) that
risk) may pertain only to
men with no or minimal
comorbidity
RTOG 92-02 T2c-4 N0-1 1554 Short vs. LHRH agonist 65-70 Gy RT p = 0.73,
2008 [459] M0 prolonged given for 2 yr. p = 0.36 overall;
ADT as adjuvant significant benefit
after 4 mo. as (p = 0.044) (p = 0.0061)
neoadjuvant in subset with ISUP
grade 4-5
EORTC T1c-2ab N1 970 Short vs. LHRH agonist 70 Gy Better result with 3 yr.
22961 2009 M0, T2c-4 prolonged for 6 mo. vs. 3D-CRT treatment than with 6 mo.
[460] N0-1 M0 ADT 3 yr. (3.8% improvement in
survival at 5 yr.)
EORTC T1-2 poorly 415 EBRT ± ADT LHRH agonist 70 Gy RT Significant benefit at
22863 2010 differentiated for 3 yr. 10 yr. for combined
[453] and M0, or (adjuvant) treatment (HR: 0.60,
T3-4 N0-1 M0 95% CI: 0.45-0.80,
p = 0.0004).
TROG T2b-4 N0 M0 802 Neoadjuvant Goserelin plus 66 Gy No significant difference
96-01 2011 ADT flutamide 3 or 6 3D-CRT in OS reported; benefit
[457] duration mo. before, plus in PCa-specific survival
concomitant (HR: 0.56, 95% CI:
suppression 0.32-0.98, p = 0.04)
(10 yr.: HR: 0.84, 0.65-
1.08, p = 0.18)

RTOG 99-10 intermediate 1579 Short vs. LHRH agonist 70.2 Gy 67 vs. 68%, p = 0.62,
2015 [461] risk (94% prolonged 8 + 8 vs. 8 + 28 2D/3D confirms 8 + 8 wk. LHRH
T1-T2, 6% ADT wk. as a standard
T3-4)
ADT = androgen deprivation therapy; CI = confidence interval; EBRT = external beam radiotherapy in standard
fractionation; HR = hazard ratio; LHRH = luteinising hormone-releasing hormone; mo = months; n = number of
patients; OS = overall survival; RP = radical prostatectomy; RT = radiotherapy; wk = week; yr. = year.
The question of the added value of EBRT combined with ADT has been clarified with 3 RCTs. All showed a
clear benefit of adding EBRT to long-term ADT (see Table 6.1.10).
Table 6.1.10: Selected studies of ADT in combination with- or without RT for PCa
Trial Year TNM stage n Trial ADT RT

Effect on OS
SPCG-7/ 2016 T1b-2 WHO 875 ADT ± EBRT LHRH agonist 34% (95% CI:
70 Gy
SFUO-3 Grade 1-3, T3 for 3 mo. plus 29-39%) vs. 17%
3D-CRT
2016 [462] N0 M0 continuous (95% CI: 13-22%
vs. no RT
flutamide CSM at 12 (15) yr.
favouring combined
treatment
(p < 0.0001 for
15-yr. results) NCIC
CTG PR.3/MRC
PRO7/NCIC 2015 T3-4 (88%), 1,205 ADT ± EBRT Continuous 65-70 Gy 10-yr. OS = 49%
2011 [464] PSA > 20 ng/ LHRH agonist 3D-CRT vs. 55% favouring
and 2015 mL (64%), ISUP vs. no RT combined
[465] grade 4-5 (36%) treatment HR: 0.7,
N0 M0 p < 0.001)
Mottet N, et 2012 T3-4 N0 M0 273 ADT ± EBRT LHRH agonist 70 Gy Significant
al. 2012 [466] 264 for 3 yr. 3D-CRT reduction of clinical
vs. no RT progression; 5-yr.
OS 71.4% vs.
71.5%
ADT = androgen deprivation therapy; CSM = cancer-specific mortality; EBRT = external beam radiotherapy;
HR = hazard ratio; LHRH = luteinising hormone-releasing hormone; mo = months; n = number of patients;
OS = overall survival; RT = radiotherapy; 3D-CRT = three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy.
6.1.3.1.5 Combined dose-escalated radiotherapy and androgen-deprivation therapy

Zelefsky et al. reported a retrospective analysis comprising 571 patients with low-risk PCa, 1,074 with
intermediate-risk PCa, and 906 with high-risk PCa. 3D-conformal RT or IMRT were administered [467]. The
prostate dose ranged from 64.8 to 86.4 Gy; doses beyond 81 Gy were delivered during the last ten years of
the study using image-guided IMRT. Complete androgen blockade was administered at the discretion of the
treating physician to 623 high-risk PCa (69%), 456 intermediate-risk PCa (42%) and 170 low-risk PCa (30%)
patients. The duration of ADT was three months for low-risk patients and six months for intermediate-risk
and high-risk patients, starting at three months before RT. The ten-year biochemical disease-free rate was
significantly improved by dose escalation: above 75.6 Gy in low risk, and above 81 Gy for the intermediate- and
high-risk groups. It was also improved by adding six months of ADT in intermediate- and high-risk patients. In
the multivariate analysis, neither the dose > 81 Gy, nor adding ADT influenced OS. Three RCTs have shown that
the benefits of ADT are independent of dose escalation, and that the use of ADT would not compensate for a
lower radiotherapy dose:
1. The GICOR study which shows a better biochemical DFS for high-risk patients for 3D-CRT radiation dose
> 72 GY when combined with long-term ADT [426].
2. DART01/05 GICOR which shows that two years of adjuvant ADT combined with high-dose RT improved
biochemical control and OS in high-risk patients [468].
3. EORTC trial 22991 which shows that six months ADT improves biochemical and clinical DFS whatever
the dose (70, 74, 78 Gy) in intermediate-risk and low-volume high-risk localised PCa [469].

6.1.3.2 Proton beam therapy
In theory, proton beams are an attractive alternative to photon-beam RT for PCa, as they deposit almost all
their radiation dose at the end of the particle’s path in tissue (the Bragg peak), in contrast to photons, which
deposit radiation along their path. There is also a very sharp fall-off for proton beams beyond their deposition
depth, meaning that critical normal tissues beyond this depth could be effectively spared. In contrast, photon
beams continue to deposit energy until they leave the body, including an exit dose.
One RCT on dose escalation (70.2 vs. 79.2 Gy) has incorporated protons for the boost doses
of either 19.8 or 28.8 Gy. This trial shows improved outcome with the higher dose, but it cannot be used
as evidence for the superiority of proton therapy per se [415]. Thus, unequivocal information that shows an
advantage of protons over IMRT photon therapy is still not available. Studies from the SEER database and
from Harvard describing toxicity and patient-reported outcomes do not point to an inherent superiority for
protons [470, 471]. In terms of longer-term gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, proton therapy might even be inferior to
IMRT [471].
A RCT comparing equivalent doses of proton-beam therapy with IMRT is underway. Meanwhile,
proton therapy must be regarded as a promising, but experimental, alternative to photon-beam therapy.
6.1.3.3 Brachytherapy
6.1.3.3.1 Low-dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy
Low-dose rate brachytherapy uses radioactive seeds permanently implanted into the prostate. There is a
consensus on the following eligibility criteria for LDR monotherapy [472]: Stage cT1b-T2a N0, M0; ISUP
grade 1 with < 50% of biopsy cores involved with cancer or ISUP grade 2 with < 33% of biopsy cores involved
with cancer; an initial PSA level of < 10 ng/mL; a prostate volume of < 50 cm3; an International Prostatic
Symptom Score (IPSS) < 12 and maximal flow rate > 15 mL/min on urinary flow tests [473].
The only available RCT comparing RP and brachytherapy as monotherapy was closed due to poor accrual
[474]. Outcome data are available from a number of large population cohorts with mature follow-up [475-482].
The biochemical disease-free survival for ISUP grade 1 patients after five and ten years has been reported to
range from 71% to 93% and 65% to 85%, respectively [475-482]. A significant correlation has been shown
between the implanted dose and biochemical control [483]. A D90 (dose covering 90% of the prostate volume)
of > 140 Gy leads to a significantly higher biochemical control rate (PSA < 1.0 ng/mL) after four years (92 vs.
68%). There is no benefit in adding neoadjuvant or adjuvant ADT to LDR monotherapy [475].
Low-dose rate brachytherapy can be combined with EBRT in intermediate-/high-risk patients (see Section
6.2.3.2.3)
6.1.3.3.2 High-dose rate brachytherapy

High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy uses a radioactive source temporarily introduced into the prostate to
deliver radiation. The technical differences are outlined in Table 6.1.11. The use of published guidelines is
strongly recommended [484]. High-dose rate brachytherapy can be delivered in single or multiple fractions and
is often combined with EBRT of at least 45 Gy [485]. A single RCT of EBRT (55 Gy in 20 fractions) vs. EBRT
(35.75 Gy in 13 fractions), followed by HDR brachytherapy (17 Gy in two fractions over 24 hours) has been
reported [486]. In 218 patients with organ-confined PCa the combination of EBRT and HDR brachytherapy
showed a significant improvement in the biochemical disease-free rate (p = 0.04) at five and ten year (75% and
46% compared to 61% and 39%). However, a very high, uncommon, rate of early recurrences was observed in
the EBRT arm alone, even after two years, possibly due to a dose lower than the current standard used [486].
A SR of non-RCTs has suggested outcomes with EBRT plus HDR brachytherapy are superior to brachytherapy
alone, but this needs confirmation in a prospective RCT [487].
Fractionated HDR brachytherapy as monotherapy can be offered to patients with low- and
intermediate-risk PCa, who should be informed that results are only available from limited series in very
experienced centres [488, 489]. Five-year PSA control rates over 90% are reported, with late grade 3+ GU
toxicity rates < 5% and no or very minimal grade 3+ GI toxicity rates [488, 489].

Table 6.1.11: Difference between LDR and HDR brachytherapy
Differences in prostate brachytherapy techniques

Low dose rate (LDR) • Permanent seeds implanted
• Uses Iodine-125 (I-125) (most common), Palladium-103 (Pd-103) or
Cesium-131 isotopes
• Radiation dose delivered over weeks and months
• Acute side-effects resolve over months
• Radiation protection issues for patient and carers
High dose rate (HDR) • Temporary implantation
• Iridium-192 (IR-192) isotope introduced through implanted needles or
catheters
• Radiation dose delivered in minutes
• Acute side-effects resolve over weeks
• No radiation protection issues for patient or carers
6.1.3.4 Acute side-effects of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy

Gastrointestinal and urinary side-effects are common during and after EBRT. In the EORTC 22991 trial,
approximately 50% of patients reported acute GU toxicity of grade 1, 20% of grade 2, and 2% grade 3. In
the same trial, approximately 30% of patients reported acute grade 1 GI toxicity, 10% grade 2, and less than
1% grade 3. Common toxicities included dysuria, urinary frequency, urinary retention, haematuria, diarrhoea,
rectal bleeding and proctitis [425]. In addition, general side-effects such as fatigue are common. It should be
noted that the incidence of acute side-effects is greater than that of late effects (see Section 8.2.2.1), implying
that most acute effects resolve. In a RCT of conventional dose EBRT vs. EBRT and LDR brachytherapy the
incidence of acute proctitis was reduced in the brachytherapy arm, but other acute toxicities were equivalent
[490]. Acute toxicity of HDR brachytherapy has not been documented in a RCT, but retrospective reports
confirm lower rates of GI toxicity compared with EBRT alone and grade 3 GU toxicity in 10%, or fewer,
patients, but a higher incidence of urinary retention [491]. Similar findings are reported using HFX; in a pooled
analysis of 864 patients treated using extreme HFX and stereotactic radiotherapy, declines in urinary and bowel
domains were noted at three months, which returned to baseline, or better, by six months [492].
6.1.4 Hormonal therapy

6.1.4.1 Introduction
6.1.4.1.1 Different types of hormonal therapy
Androgen deprivation can be achieved by either suppressing the secretion of testicular androgens or inhibiting
the action of circulating androgens at the level of their receptor. These two methods can be combined to
achieve what is known as complete (or maximal or total) androgen blockade (CAB) [493].
6.1.4.1.1.1 Testosterone-lowering therapy (castration)

6.1.4.1.1.1.1 Castration level
Surgical castration is still considered the primary treatment modality for ADT. It leads to a considerable decline
in testosterone levels: the ‘castration level’.
The castration level is < 50 ng/dL (1.7 nmol/L), which was defined more than 40 years ago when
testosterone testing was limited. Current methods have shown that the mean value after surgical castration
is 15 ng/dL [494]. Therefore, a more appropriate level is defined as < 20 ng/dL (1 nmol/L). This new definition
is important as better results are repeatedly observed with lower testosterone levels compared to 50 ng/dL
[495-497]. However, the castrate level considered by the regulatory authorities and in clinical trials addressing
castration in PCa is still < 50 ng/dL (1.7 mmol/L).
6.1.4.1.1.1.2 Bilateral orchiectomy

Bilateral orchiectomy, or subcapsular pulpectomy, is a simple, cheap and virtually complication-free surgical
procedure. It is easily performed under local anaesthesia and it is the quickest way to achieve a castration
level, which is usually reached within less than twelve hours. It is irreversible and therefore does not allow for
intermittent treatment [498].
6.1.4.1.1.2 Oestrogens
Treatment with oestrogens results in testosterone suppression and is not associated with bone loss [499].
Early studies tested oral diethylstilboestrol (DES) at several doses. Due to severe side-effects, especially
thromboembolic complications, even at lower doses these drugs are not considered as standard first-line
treatment [500-502].

6.1.4.1.1.3 Luteinising-hormone-releasing hormone agonists
Long-acting LHRH agonists are currently the main forms of ADT. These synthetic analogues of LHRH, are
delivered as depot injections on a 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-monthly, or yearly, basis. The first injection induces a transient
rise in luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) leading to the ‘testosterone surge’
or ‘flare-up’ phenomenon, which starts two to three days after administration and lasts for about one week.
This may lead to detrimental clinical effects (the clinical flare) such as increased bone pain, acute bladder
outlet obstruction, obstructive renal failure, spinal cord compression, and cardiovascular death due to
hypercoagulation status [503]. Patients at risk are usually those with high-volume, symptomatic, bony disease.
Concomitant therapy with an anti-androgen decreases the incidence of clinical flare, but does not completely
remove the risk.
Anti-androgen therapy is usually continued for four weeks but neither the timing nor the duration of
anti-androgen therapy are based on strong evidence. In addition, the long-term impact of preventing ‘flare-up’
is unknown [504].
Chronic exposure to LHRH agonists results in the down-regulation of LHRH-receptors, suppressing
LH and FSH secretion and therefore testosterone production. A castration level is usually obtained within two
to four weeks [505]. Although there is no formal direct comparison between the various compounds, they are
considered to be equally effective [506] and at least comparable to orchiectomy [507].
The different products have practical differences that need to be considered in everyday practice,
including the storage temperature, whether a drug is ready for immediate use or requires reconstitution, and
whether a drug is given by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
6.1.4.1.1.4 Luteinising-hormone-releasing hormone antagonists

Luteinising-hormone releasing hormone antagonists immediately bind to LHRH receptors, leading to a rapid
decrease in LH, FSH and testosterone levels without any flare. The practical shortcoming of these compounds
is the lack of a long-acting depot formulation with, so far, only monthly formulations being available.
Degarelix is a LHRH antagonist. The standard dosage is 240 mg in the first month, followed by monthly
injections of 80 mg. Most patients achieve a castrate level at day three [508]. An extended follow-up has been
published, suggesting a better PSA PFS compared to monthly leuprorelin [509]. A SR did not show major
difference between agonists and degarelix and highlighted the paucity of on-treatment data beyond twelve
months as well as the lack of survival data [510]. Its definitive superiority over the LHRH analogues remains to
be proven.
6.1.4.1.1.5 Anti-androgens
These oral compounds are classified according to their chemical structure as:
• steroidal, e.g. cyproterone acetate (CPA), megestrol acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate;
• non-steroidal or pure, e.g. nilutamide, flutamide and bicalutamide.
Both classes compete with androgens at the receptor level. This leads to an unchanged or slightly elevated
testosterone level. Conversely, steroidal anti-androgens have progestational properties leading to central
inhibition by crossing the blood-brain barrier.
6.1.4.1.1.5.1 Steroidal anti-androgens

These compounds are synthetic derivatives of hydroxyprogesterone. Their main pharmacological side-effects
are secondary to castration (gynaecomastia is quite rare) whilst the non-pharmacological side-effects are
cardiovascular toxicity (4-40% for CPA) and hepatotoxicity.
6.1.4.1.1.5.1.1 Cyproterone acetate

Cyproterone acetate was the first licensed anti-androgen, but the least studied. Its most effective dose
as monotherapy is still unknown. Although CPA has a relatively long half-life (31-41 hours), it is usually
administered in two or three fractionated doses of 100 mg each. In one RCT, CPA showed a poorer OS when
compared with LHRH analogues [511]. An underpowered RCT comparing CPA monotherapy with flutamide
in M1b PCa did not show any difference in disease-specific and OS at a median follow-up of 8.6 years [512].
Other CPA monotherapy studies suffer from methodological limitations preventing firm conclusions.
6.1.4.1.1.5.2 Non-steroidal anti-androgens

Non-steroidal anti-androgen monotherapy does not suppress testosterone secretion and it is claimed
that libido, overall physical performance and bone mineral density (BMD) are frequently preserved [513].
Non-androgen-related pharmacological side-effects differ between agents. Bicalutamide shows a more
favourable safety and tolerability profile than flutamide and nilutamide [514]. All three agents share the potential
for liver toxicity (occasionally fatal), requiring regular monitoring of patients’ liver enzymes.

6.1.4.1.1.5.2.1 Nilutamide
Nilutamide monotherapy has not been compared to castration and is not licensed for monotherapy. Direct
drug-related side-effects are visual disturbances (i.e. delayed adaptation to darkness), alcohol intolerance,
nausea, and of note, severe interstitial pneumonitis (potentially life-threatening). As a consequence it is rarely
used.
6.1.4.1.1.5.2.2 Flutamide
Flutamide has been studied as monotherapy. Flutamide is a pro-drug, and the half-life of the active metabolite
is five to six hours, requiring a three times daily dose. The recommended total daily dose is 750 mg. The non-
androgen-related pharmacological side-effect of flutamide is diarrhoea.
6.1.4.1.1.5.2.3 Bicalutamide
The dosage licensed for use in CAB is 50 mg/day, and 150 mg for monotherapy. The androgen
pharmacological side-effects are mainly gynaecomastia (70%) and breast pain (68%). However, bicalutamide
monotherapy offers clear bone protection compared with LHRH analogues and probably LHRH antagonists
[513, 515].
6.1.4.1.1.6 New compounds

Once on castration, the development of castration-resistance (CRPC) is only a matter of time. It is
considered to be mediated through two main overlapping mechanisms: androgen-receptor (AR)-independent
and AR-dependent mechanisms (see Section 6.5 - Castrate-resistant PCa). In CRPC, the intracellular androgen
level is increased compared to androgen sensitive cells, and an over-expression of the AR has been observed,
suggesting an adaptive mechanism [516]. This has led to the development of several new compounds targeting
the androgen axis. Abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide are both approved for mCRPC. Abiraterone acetate
has also been approved for hormone-sensitive PCa, combined with ADT. Apalutamide has been approved by
the EMA for M0 CRPC at high risk of further metastases [517].
6.1.4.1.1.6.1 Abiraterone acetate

Abiraterone acetate is a CYP17 inhibitor (a combination of 17α-hydrolase and 17,20-lyase inhibition).
By blocking CYP17, Abiraterone acetate significantly decreases the intracellular testosterone level by
suppressing its synthesis at the adrenal level and inside the cancer cells (intracrine mechanism). This
compound must be used together with prednisone/prednisolone to prevent drug-induced hyperaldosteronism.
6.1.4.1.1.6.2 Enzalutamide
Enzalutamide is a novel anti-androgen with a higher affinity for the AR receptor than bicalutamide. While non-
steroidal anti-androgens still allow transfer of ARs to the nucleus, enzalutamide also blocks AR transfer and
therefore suppresses any possible agonist-like activity.
6.1.4.1.1.6.3 Apalutamide
Apalutamide is a novel anti-androgen closely related to enzalutamide with an identical mechanism of action
although it but does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
6.1.5 Investigational therapies

6.1.5.1 Background
Besides RP, EBRT and brachytherapy, other modalities have emerged as potential therapeutic options in
patients with clinically localised PCa [518-521]. In this section, both whole gland and focal treatment will be
considered, looking particularly at high-intensity focused US (HIFU), cryotherapeutic ablation of the prostate
(cryotherapy) and focal photodynamic therapy, as sufficient data are available to form the basis of some initial
judgements. Other options, such as radiofrequency ablation and electroporation, among others, are considered
to be in the early phases of evaluation [522]. In addition, a relatively newer development is focal ablative
therapy [522, 523], whereby lesion-targeted ablation is undertaken in a precise, organ-sparing manner. All
these modalities have been developed as minimally invasive procedures with the aim of providing equivalent
oncological safety, reduced toxicity and improved functional outcomes.
6.1.5.2 Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses freezing techniques to induce cell death by dehydration resulting in protein denaturation,
direct rupture of cellular membranes by ice crystals and vascular stasis and microthrombi, resulting in
stagnation of the microcirculation with consecutive ischaemic apoptosis [518-521]. Freezing of the prostate is
ensured by the placement of 17 gauge cryo-needles under TRUS guidance, placement of thermosensors at
the level of the external sphincter and rectal wall, and insertion of a urethral warmer. Two freeze-thaw cycles

are used under TRUS guidance, resulting in a temperature of -40°C in the mid-gland and at the neurovascular
bundle. Currently, third and fourth generation cryotherapy devices are mainly used. Since its inception,
cryotherapy has been used for whole-gland treatment in PCa either as a primary or salvage treatment option.
The main adverse effects of cryosurgery are ED (18%), urinary incontinence (2-20%), urethral sloughing
(0-38%), rectal pain and bleeding (3%) and recto-urethral fistula formation (0-6%) [524]. There is a lack of
prospective comparative data regarding oncological outcomes of whole-gland cryosurgery as a curative
treatment option for men with localised PCa, with most studies being non-comparative single-arm case series
with short follow-up periods [524].
6.1.5.3 High-intensity focused ultrasound

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) consists of focused US waves, emitted from a transducer, that cause
tissue damage by mechanical and thermal effects as well as by cavitation [525]. The goal of HIFU is to heat
malignant tissues above 65°C so that it is destroyed by coagulative necrosis. High-intensity focused US is
performed under general or spinal anaesthesia, with the patient lying in the lateral or supine position. High-
intensity focused US has previously been widely used for whole-gland therapy. The major adverse effects of
HIFU include acute urinary retention (10%), ED (23%), urethral stricture (8%), rectal pain or bleeding (11%),
recto-urethral fistula (0-5%) and urinary incontinence 10%) [524]. Disadvantages of HIFU include difficulty in
achieving complete ablation of the prostate, especially in glands larger than 40 mL, and in targeting cancers
in the anterior zone of the prostate. Similar to cryosurgery, the lack of any long-term prospective comparative
data on oncological outcomes prevents whole-gland HIFU from being considered as a reasonable alternative to
the established curative treatment options [524].
6.1.5.4 Focal therapy

During the past two decades, there has been a trend towards earlier diagnosis of PCa as a result of greater
public and professional awareness, leading to the adoption of both formal and informal screening strategies.
The effect of this has been to identify men at an earlier stage with smaller tumours that occupy only 5-10%
of the prostate volume, with a greater propensity for unifocal or unilateral disease [526-528]. Most focal
therapies to date have been achieved with ablative technologies: cryotherapy, HIFU, photodynamic therapy,
electroporation, and focal RT by brachytherapy or CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System technology
(Accuray Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA). The main purpose of focal therapy is to ablate tumours selectively whilst
limiting toxicity by sparing the neurovascular bundles, sphincter and urethra [529-531].
A previous SR and network meta-analysis [524] on ablative therapy in men with localised PCa
performed a sub-group analysis of focal therapy vs. RP and EBRT. Nine case series reporting on focal therapy
were identified (five studies reporting on focal cryosurgical ablation of the prostate (CSAP), three studies
on focal HIFU, and one study reported on both). For focal CSAP vs. RP or EBRT, no statistically significant
differences were found for BCR at three years. For focal HIFU vs. RP or EBRT, there were neither comparable
data on oncological, continence nor potency outcomes at one year, or more. More recently, Valerio et al. [523]
performed a SR to summarise the evidence regarding the effectiveness of focal therapy in localised PCa.
Data from 3,230 patients across 37 studies were included, covering different energy sources including HIFU,
CSAP, photodynamic therapy, laser interstitial thermotherapy, focal brachytherapy, irreversible electroporation
and radiofrequency ablation. The overall quality of the evidence was low, due to the majority of studies being
single-centre, non-comparative and retrospective in design, heterogeneity of definitions, approaches, follow-
up strategies, outcomes, and duration of follow-up. Although the review suggests that focal therapy has a
favourable toxicity profile in the short to medium-term, its oncological effectiveness remains unproven due to
lack of reliable comparative data against standard interventions such as RP and EBRT.
An RCT compared focal therapy using padeliporfin-based vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy
(PDT) vs. AS in men with very low-risk PCa [532]. The study found at a median follow-up of 24 months, less
patients progressed in the PDT arm compared with the AS arm (adjusted HR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.24-0.46).
In addition, more men in the PDT arm had a negative prostate biopsy at two years than men in the AS
arm (adjusted RR: 3.67, 95% CI: 2.53–5.33). Nevertheless, limitations of the study include inappropriately
comparing an intervention designed to destroy cancer tissue in men with low-risk PCa against an intervention
primarily aimed at avoiding unnecessary treatment in men with low-risk PCa, and an unusually high observed
rate of disease progression in the AS arm (58% in two years). Another prospective but uncontrolled, single-
arm case series on focal therapy using HIFU on patients with localised intermediate-risk disease was recently
published [533]. Overall, given the lack of robust comparative data on medium to long-term oncological
outcomes for focal therapy against curative interventions (i.e. RP or EBRT), focal therapy should remain
investigational for the time being; robust prospective trials reporting standardised outcomes [534] are needed
before recommendations in support of focal therapy for routine clinical practice can be made [522, 533, 534].

6.1.6 General guidelines for active treatment

Inform patients that no active treatment modality has shown superiority over any other Strong
active management options in terms of survival.
Inform patients that all active treatments have side effects. Strong
Surgical treatment
Inform patients that no surgical approach (open, laparoscopic- or robotic radical Strong
prostatectomy) has clearly shown superiority in terms of functional or oncological results.
Perform an extended lymph node dissection (LND), when a LND is deemed necessary. Strong
Do not perform nerve-sparing surgery when there is a risk of extracapsular extension (based Strong
on cT stage, ISUP grade, nomogram, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging).
Do not offer neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy before surgery. Strong
Offer intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or volumetric arc external-beam Strong
radiotherapy (VMAT) for definitive treatment of PCa by external-beam radiation therapy.
Offer moderate hypofractionation (HFX) with IMRT/VMAT, including image-guided Strong
radiation therapy to the prostate, to carefully selected patients with localised disease.
Ensure that moderate HFX adheres to radiotherapy protocols from trials with equivalent Strong
outcome and toxicity, i.e. 60 Gy/20 fractions in four weeks or 70 Gy/28 fractions in six
weeks.
Active therapeutic options outside surgery and radiotherapy
Only offer cryotherapy and high-intensity focused ultrasound within a clinical trial setting. Strong
Only offer focal therapy within a clinical trial setting. Strong
6.1.7 Discussing treatment options

Management decisions should be made after all treatments have been discussed in a multidisciplinary team
(including urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and radiologists), and after the balance of
benefits and side-effects of appropriate therapy modalities has been considered together with the patient. The
following paragraphs will only address active modalities where the aim is to try to be “curative” in patients were
that is appropriate.
6.2 Treatment by disease stages

6.2.1 Treatment of low-risk disease
6.2.1.1 Active surveillance
The main risk for men with low-risk disease is over-treatment (see Sections 6.1.1.2 and 6.1.1.4) and therefore
AS should be considered for all such patients.
6.2.1.1.1 Selection criteria for active surveillance based on clinical and pathological variables
Selection criteria for AS are limited by a lack of prospective RCTs, or findings from a formal consensus
meeting. The criteria most often published include: ISUP grade 1, when specified < 2-3 positive cores with
< 50% cancer involvement in every positive core, a clinical T1c or T2a, a PSA < 10 ng/mL and a PSA density
< 0.15 ng/mL/cc [354, 535]. The latter threshold remains controversial [535, 536]. A pathology consensus
group suggested excluding men from AS when any of the following features were present: predominant ductal
carcinoma (including pure intraductal carcinoma), sarcomatoid carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, EPE or LVI in
needle biopsy [537] and perineal invasion [538]. A Canadian consensus group considered AS as the treatment
of choice for low-risk disease, without stratifying for biopsy results, although they clearly recommended that
men < 55 years should be closely scrutinised for high-volume ISUP 1 cancer [539]. This position has been
endorsed by the ASCO [540]. In this setting, re-biopsy within six to twelve months to exclude sampling error
is mandatory [535, 539] even if this could be modified in the future [541]. A SR and meta-analysis found three
clinico-pathological variables which were significantly associated with reclassification, which were; PSA-
density, > 2 positive cores, and African-American race [542]. In summary, there is significant heterogeneity
regarding selection and eligibility criteria into AS programmes [8].
6.2.1.1.2 Biological markers

Biological markers, including urine PCA3, transmembrane protease, serine 2-TMPRSS2-ERG fusion, or PSA
isoforms appear promising, as does genomics on the tissue sample itself [543-545]. However, further data will
be needed before such markers can be used in standard clinical practice [153].

6.2.1.1.3 Imaging for treatment selection
6.2.1.1.3.1 mpMRI in men eligible for active surveillance based on systematic biopsy findings only
A recent meta-analysis evaluated the proportion of men eligible for AS based on systematic TRUS-guided
biopsy in whom the cancer was upgraded by MRI-TBx and systematic biopsy at confirmatory biopsy [546]. The
cancer was upgraded in 27% of men using a combination of biopsy techniques. The MRI-TBx upgraded the
tumour in 17% (95% CI: 10-26%) of patients and TRUS-guided systematic biopsies in 20% (95% CI: 16-25%)
of patients. Just 10% of patients were upgraded by both biopsy methods, meaning MRI-TBx identified an
additional 7% (95% CI: 5-10%) of men who were upgraded, whilst systematic biopsy identified an additional
10% (95% CI: 8-14%) of men who were upgraded. Even if the analysed series used different definitions for
csPCa (and thus for cancer upgrading), MRI-TBx and systematic biopsy appear to be complementary to each
other, both missing a significant proportion of cancer upgrading or reclassification. Thus, combining the two
biopsy techniques seems the best way to select patients for AS at confirmatory biopsy.
A recently published multicentre RCT on men on AS and scheduled for confirmatory biopsy
surprisingly did not show the benefit of additional use of MRI-TBx (ASIST trial) [547]. Men were randomised
to either twelve-core systematic biopsy or to MRI with targeted biopsy (when indicated) combined with
systematic biopsy, up to twelve cores in total, avoiding oversampling in the MRI arm. Overall, ISUP grade >
2 cancer upgrading was 23% (31/136) for systematic biopsy vs. 21% (29/137) for MRI-TBx and systematic
biopsy. However, the centre responsible for inclusion of 55% of the patients in the trial and most experience
with mpMRI and targeted biopsy showed an ISUP grade > 2 cancer upgrading rate of 20% (14/71) for
systematic biopsy vs. 33% (24/71) for MRI-TBx and systematic biopsy (p = 0.09). At the two sites with less
experience, the upgrading rate for systematic biopsies alone (29% and 26%) was unexpectedly much higher
than for MRI-TBx and systematic biopsy (10% and 8%). This underscores that both experience in mpMRI and
in targeting biopsy is mandatory in this clinical setting.
6.2.1.1.3.1.1 Reduction of systematic biopsies in MRI-negative men on active surveillance.

Surveillance management should not only focus on upgrading cancer but also on limiting the number of
biopsies in AS since avoiding further biopsy when the MRI is negative is attractive. In the SR mentioned
above [546], 30% of men eligible for AS had a negative mpMRI, which may show the potential reduction of
biopsy procedures. However, 12% of men with a negative mpMRI showed cancer upgrading from low-risk to
intermediate/high-risk disease, identified by systematic biopsies. In another review, a negative mpMRI was
associated with upgrading in 27% of men when referenced to RPs, suggesting that this imaging modality alone
cannot be used to monitor men on AS [548]. However, caution must be exercised when extrapolating surgical
data to all men on surveillance, as those getting surgery are more likely to harbour higher volumes of cancer,
compared to the average men on AS.
For some men with a negative MRI, omitting TRUS-guided biopsies would be acceptable
considering the harms and benefits; for other men this would be unacceptable. This would promote a
multivariate risk-based approach objectively weighing all relevant factors [549, 550].
6.2.1.1.3.1.2 Multivariate risk prediction at confirmatory biopsy

Cancer upgrading was identified almost three-times more often in men with a positive mpMRI in contrast to
a negative mpMRI (RR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.76-4.38) [546]. For this reason, a positive mpMRI should be marked
as a positive predictor for upgrading in men on AS at confirmatory biopsies. However, still 11% of men
with a positive mpMRI showed cancer upgrading by systematic biopsies only, most likely due to tumour
heterogeneity. Furthermore, a MRI suspicion score > 4 of overall PI-RADS and an index lesion size > 10 mm
are strongly associated with patient withdrawal from AS [551]. This further supports a multivariate risk-based
approach weighing all relevant factors, not compromising the identification of all high-grade PCas [549, 550,
552]. A negative MRI, in combination with other stable negative predictors (low PSA kinetics, low PSA density)
may support the decision to omit additional systematic TRUS-guided biopsies at routine repeat biopsies, at
least on an individual basis with adequate counselling.
Men on AS with a PI-RADS 3 lesion upgrade at confirmatory biopsy in an estimated proportion
of 17% (range 9-31%), which is still a surprisingly large fraction [553]. The PFS in negative mpMRI, including
PI-RADS 1-3, was 99, 90 and 86% at 1, 2 and 3 years respectively [554], suggesting that also PI-RADS 3
lesions should be targeted at MRI-TBx.
6.2.1.1.3.2 Follow-up mpMRI in men eligible for active surveillance based on mpMRI and systematic and
targeted-biopsy findings
Several authors have reported data on sequential mpMRI evaluation, considering an increase in mpMRI
suspicion score or lesion diameter on mpMRI as a sign of disease progression. In these surveillance cohorts,
summarised in a review [550], the overall upgrading from ISUP grade 1 to ISUP grade > 2 PCa was 30%
(81/269), following combined targeted and standard biopsies. Upgrading occurred in 39% of patients with MRI
showing progression and in 21% of patients with MRI showing stable findings or regression.

Data on the combination of serial mpMRI and PSA as a trigger for re-biopsy are even more limited.
Using mpMRI and PSA changes as the sole triggers for re-biopsy would have detected only 14/20 (70%) of
progressions and resulted in fifteen additional biopsy procedures which failed to show pathological progression
[555]. Protocol based re-biopsy, without mpMRI or PSA changes, however, still detected pathological
progressions in 6 out of 87 (6.9%) men. When specific suspicious sites on mpMRI were resampled in men
undergoing AS for PCa, upgrading was detected more often than by systematic biopsy [556].
Very limited data are available on unchanged negative mpMRI. In a small study on 75 men included
within PRIAS, with a mpMRI at baseline, 46 (61%) had a negative mpMRI (suspicion score 1-2). Of these 46
patients, twelve (26%) were reclassified at twelve months by systematic biopsies [557] However, of the 29
patients (39%) from the same series with a positive initial mpMRI, 21 (72%) were reclassified at twelve months.
Even though mpMRI is useful for the initial categorisation of men as candidates for AS, it is not yet
sufficient as a primary test during surveillance [558].
6.2.1.1.3.3 Guidelines for imaging in men on active surveillance
Recommendations in men on active surveillance LE Strength rating

Perform mpMRI before confirmatory prostate biopsy if not done before the first 1a Strong
biopsy.
Perform the combination of targeted biopsy (of any PI-RADS > 3 lesion) and 2a Weak
6.2.1.1.4 Follow up
The follow up strategy is based on serial DRE (at least once yearly), PSA (at least once, every six months) and
repeated biopsy (at a minimum interval of three to five years). Based on two small single centre studies [559,
560], not all patients with progression/reclassification at biopsy had radiological progression and vice versa.
Therefore, mpMRI cannot be used as a stand-alone tool to trigger follow-up biopsies, but efforts are being
made to define and standardise radiological progression during AS [558].
Risk prediction in men on AS is under investigation to further reduce unnecessary biopsies and
misclassification [539]. In an AS cohort of 259 men with ISUP grade 1 and 2 cancers detected by MRI-targeted
and systematic biopsies, independent predictors of upgrading at 3 years were ISUP grade 2, PSA density
> 0.15 ng/mL/cm3 and a score 5 lesion on MRI [561]. Therefore, the role of mpMRI in risk prediction should be
further investigated.
6.2.1.1.5 Switching to active treatment

The decision to start active treatment should be based on a change in the biopsy results (ISUP grade,
number of positive cores, core length involvement), or T-stage progression. These criteria are recognised in all
published cohorts but are limited by the heterogeneity of inclusion criteria for AS. A PSA change (especially a
PSA-DT < three years) is a less powerful indicator to change management based on its weak link with grade
progression [562, 563]. Active treatment may also be instigated upon a patient’s request. This occurs in around
10% of patients on AS [564]. A recent SR on AS protocols showed a lack of consensus regarding what criteria
should trigger reclassification.
Given the significant heterogeneity and uncertainty regarding the criteria and thresholds for patient selection,
imaging, repeat biopsies, frequency and timing of clinical follow-up, reclassification and primary outcome
measures of AS protocols, there is a need to achieve formal consensus regarding the major domains of AS,
in order to standardise practice for prospective AS programmes, and trials involving AS vs. other treatments.
Efforts are underway to address this important knowledge gap [565].
6.2.1.2 Active treatment

Patients not meeting criteria listed for AS or showing progression during surveillance or who are unwilling to
proceed with AS should be discussed for active treatment.
6.2.1.2.1 Radical prostatectomy

At ten years’ follow-up in the ProtecT study, where 60% had a low risk disease, a benefit for metastases-
free and PFS, but neither cancer-specific nor OS, for RP compared to AM and RT was observed [353]. In the
SPCG-4 study [363], death from any cause and distant metastases were significantly reduced in low-risk PCa
at eighteen years for RP compared with WW. However, death from PCa was not reduced. In the PIVOT trial, a
pre-planned subgroup analysis of men with low-risk PCa showed that RP did not significantly reduce all-cause
mortality or death from PCa at ten years compared with WW [370].

The decision to offer RP in cases of low-risk cancer should be based upon the probabilities of clinical
progression, side-effects and potential benefit to survival [566]. Individual patient preferences should always
be considered in shared decision-making. If RP is performed in low-risk PCa, pelvic LN dissection is not
necessary (pN+ risk < 5%) [567].
6.2.1.2.2 Radiation therapy treatment policy

The ProtecT study also confirmed that RT combined with six months of ADT failed to improve cancer-specific
or OS in this PSA-screened population, but did improve PFS, as per RP [353]. As with RP, the decision to offer
treatment should be based upon the probabilities of clinical progression, side-effects and potential benefit to
survival [566]. Individual patient preferences should always be considered in shared decision-making. If RT is
performed in this group, intensity-modulated RT with escalated dose (74-80 Gy) and without ADT, or moderate
HFX (see Section 6.1.3.1.3) should be used. Low-dose rate brachytherapy is a valid alternative provided the
patient fulfils the criteria (see Section 6.1.3.3.1).
6.2.1.3 Other treatments

All other treatment modalities should be considered as investigational. Neither whole gland treatment nor focal
treatment can be considered as standard (see 6.1.5). Ideally, they should only be performed in a clinical trial
setting.
6.2.1.4 Guidelines for the treatment of low-risk disease

Watchful waiting (WW)
Offer a WW policy to asymptomatic patients with a life expectancy < ten years (based on Strong
comorbidities).
Offer AS to patients suitable for curative treatment but with low-risk PCa. Strong
Perform multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging before a confirmatory biopsy. Strong
During confirmatory biopsy include systematic and targeted biopsies. Strong
Base follow up on digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen and repeated Strong
biopsies.
Counsel patients about the possibility of needing further treatment in the future. Strong
Active treatment
Offer surgery and radiotherapy as alternatives to AS to patients suitable for such treatments Weak
and who accept a trade-off between toxicity and prevention of disease progression.
Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND)
Do not perform a PLND (estimated risk for pN+ < 5%). Strong
Offer low-dose rate brachytherapy to patients with low-risk PCa, without a previous Strong
transurethral resection of the prostate and with a good International Prostatic Symptom
Score and a prostate volume < 50 mL.
Use intensity-modulated radiation therapy with a total dose of 74-80 Gy or moderate Strong
hypofractionation (60 Gy/20 fx in four weeks or 70 Gy/28 fx in six weeks), without androgen
deprivation therapy.
Only offer whole gland treatment (such as cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, Strong
etc.) or focal treatment within a clinical trial setting.
6.2.2 Treatment of Intermediate-risk disease

When managed with non-curative intent, intermediate-risk PCa is associated with ten-year and fifteen-year
PCSM rates of 13.0% and 19.6%, respectively [568].
6.2.2.1 Active Surveillance

In the ProtecT trial, up to 22% of the randomised patients in the AM arm had ISUP grade > 1 and 10% a PSA
> 10 ng/mL [353]. A Canadian consensus group proposes that low volume ISUP grade 2 (< 10% Gleason
pattern 4) may also be considered for AS. These recommendations have been endorsed by the American
Society of Clinical Oncology ASCO [540]. However, recent findings suggest that any grade 4 pattern is
associated with a three-fold increased risk of metastases compared to ISUP grade 1, while a PSA up to

20 ng/mL might be an acceptable threshold [539, 569, 570]. Including mpMRI and a systematic re-biopsy
(eventually targeted) might improve the accuracy of staging. However clear evidence to support AS in the
intermediate-risk group is not available and therefore care must be taken if advocating this treatment strategy
especially in patients with the longest life expectancy.
6.2.2.2 Surgery
Patients with intermediate-risk PCa should be informed about the results of two RCTs (SPCG-4 and PIVOT)
comparing RRP vs. WW in localised PCa. In the SPCG-4 study, death from any cause (RR: 0.71; 95% CI:
0.53-0.95), death from PCa (RR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.23-0.62) and distant metastases (RR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.32-
0.74) were significantly reduced in intermediate-risk PCa at eighteen years. In the PIVOT trial, according to a
pre-planned subgroup analysis among men with intermediate-risk tumours, RP significantly reduced all-cause
mortality (HR: 0.69 [95% CI: 0.49-0.98]), but not death from PCa (0.50; 95% CI: 0.21-1.21) at ten years.
The risk of having positive LNs in intermediate-risk PCa is between 3.7-20.1% [567]. An eLND
should be performed in intermediate-risk PCa if the estimated risk for pN+ exceeds 5% [567]. In all other cases
eLND can be omitted, which means accepting a low risk of missing positive nodes.
6.2.2.3 Radiation therapy

6.2.2.3.1 Recommended external beam radiation therapy for intermediate-risk PCa
Patients suitable for ADT can be given combined IMRT with short-term ADT (4-6 months) [571-573]. For
patients unsuitable for ADT (e.g. due to comorbidities) or unwilling to accept ADT (e.g. to preserve their sexual
health), the recommended treatment is IMRT or VMAT at an escalated dose (76-80 Gy) or a combination of
IMRT or VMAT and brachytherapy (see Section 6.2.3.2.3).
6.2.2.3.2 Brachytherapy monotherapy

Low-dose rate brachytherapy can be offered to highly selected patients (ISUP grade 2 with < 33% of biopsy
cores involved with cancer), provided they fulfil all the other criteria. Fractionated HDR brachytherapy as
monotherapy can be offered to selected patients with intermediate-risk PCa although they should be informed
that results are only available from small series in very experienced centres. Five-year PSA control rates over
90% are reported, with late grade 3+ GU toxicity rates < 5% and no, or very minimal, grade 3+ GI toxicity rates
[488, 574]. There are no direct data to inform on the use of ADT in this setting.
6.2.2.4 Other options for the primary treatment of intermediate-risk PCa (experimental therapies)
All other treatment modalities should be considered as investigational. A prospective study on focal therapy
using HIFU on patients with localised intermediate-risk disease was recently published [533], but the data
was derived from an uncontrolled, single-arm case series. Consequently, neither whole gland treatment nor
focal treatment can be considered as standard (see Section 6.1.5), and ideally should only be offered in clinical
trials [575].

6.2.2.5 Guidelines for the treatment of intermediate-risk disease

Offer AS to highly selected patients (< 10% pattern 4) accepting the potential increased risk Weak
of further metastases.
Radical prostatectomy (RP)
Offer RP to patients with intermediate-risk disease and a life expectancy of > ten years. Strong
Offer nerve-sparing surgery to patients with a low risk of extracapsular disease. Strong
Pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND)
Perform an ePLND in intermediate-risk disease if the estimated risk for positive lymph Strong
nodes exceeds 5%.
Offer low-dose rate brachytherapy to selected patients (see Section 6.2.3.2.3); patients Strong
without a previous transurethral resection of the prostate and with a good International
Prostatic Symptom Score and a prostate volume < 50 mL.
For external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT), use a total dose of 76-78 Gy or moderate Strong
hypofractionation (60 Gy/20 fx in four weeks or 70 Gy/28 fx in six weeks), in combination
with short-term neoadjuvant plus concomitant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (four
to six months).
In patients not willing to undergo ADT, use an escalated dose of EBRT (76-80 Gy) or a Weak
combination with brachytherapy.
Only offer whole gland treatment (such as cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, Strong
etc.) or focal treatment within a clinical trial setting.
Do not offer ADT monotherapy to intermediate-risk asymptomatic men not able to receive Strong
any local treatment.
6.2.3 Treatment of high-risk localised disease

Patients with high-risk PCa are at an increased risk of PSA failure, need for secondary therapy, metastatic
progression and death from PCa. Nevertheless, not all high-risk PCa patients have a uniformly poor prognosis
after RP [576]. When managed with non-curative intent, high-risk PCa is associated with ten-year and fifteen-
year PCSM rates of 28.8 and 35.5%, respectively [568]. There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment
of men with high-risk PCa.
6.2.3.1 Radical prostatectomy

Provided that the tumour is not fixed to the pelvic wall, or there is no invasion of the urethral sphincter, RP is a
reasonable option in selected patients with a low tumour volume. Extended PLND should be performed in all
high-risk PCa cases undergoing RP as the estimated risk for positive LNs is 15-40% [567]. Patients should be
aware pre-operatively that surgery may be part of multimodality treatment.
6.2.3.1.1 ISUP grade 4-5

The incidence of organ-confined disease is 26-31% in men with an ISUP grade > 4 on systematic biopsy.
A high rate of downgrading exists between the biopsy ISUP grade and the ISUP grade of the resected
specimen [577]. Several retrospective case series have demonstrated CSS rates over 60% at fifteen years after
RP in the context of a multimodal approach (adjuvant or salvage ADT and/or RT) for patients with a biopsy
ISUP grade 5 [324, 374, 578, 579].
6.2.3.1.2 Prostate-specific antigen > 20 ng/mL

Reports in patients with a PSA > 20 ng/mL who underwent surgery as initial therapy within a multimodal
approach demonstrated a CSS at fifteen years of over 70% [324, 374, 381, 580-582].
6.2.3.1.3 R
adical prostatectomy in cN0 patients who are found to have pathologically confirmed lymph node
invasion (pN1)
cN0 patients who undergo RP but who were found to have pN1 were reported to have an overall CSS and OS
of 45% and 42%, respectively, at fifteen years [583-589]. However, this is a very heterogeneous patient group
and further treatment must be individualised based on risk factors (see Section 6.2.4.5).

6.2.3.2 External beam radiation therapy
6.2.3.2.1 Recommended external beam radiation therapy treatment policy for high-risk localised PCa
For high-risk localised PCa, use a combined modality approach, consisting of dose-escalated IMRT or
VMAT, plus long-term ADT. The duration of ADT has to take into account PS, comorbidities and the number
of poor prognostic factors. It is important to recognise that in several studies, EBRT plus short-term ADT did
not improve OS in high-risk localised PCa [455, 456, 458], and long-term ADT (at least two to three years) is
currently recommended for these patients.
6.2.3.2.2 Lymph node irradiation in cN0

There is no level 1 evidence for prophylactic whole-pelvic irradiation, since RCTs have failed to show that
patients benefit from prophylactic irradiation (46-50 Gy) of the pelvic LNs in high-risk cases [590-592]. In
the RTOG 94-13 study [458], there were no PFS differences between patients treated with whole-pelvic
or prostate-only RT, but interactions between whole-pelvic RT and the duration of ADT were reported
following the subgroup analysis. Furthermore, in most trials dealing with high-risk PCa, a whole pelvis field
was considered standard of care. The benefits of pelvic nodal irradiation using IMRT or VMAT merit further
investigation in RCTs as conducted by the RTOG or the UK NCRI group. Performing an ePLND in order to
decide whether or not pelvic RT is required (in addition to combined prostate EBRT plus long-term ADT)
remains purely experimental in the absence of level 1 evidence.
6.2.3.2.3 Low-dose rate brachytherapy boost

In men with intermediate- or high-risk PCa, LDR brachytherapy boost with supplemental EBRT and hormonal
treatment [593] may be considered. Dose-escalated EBRT (total dose of 78 Gy) has been compared with EBRT
(total dose 46 Gy) followed by LDR brachytherapy boost (prescribed dose 115 Gy) in intermediate-risk and
high-risk patients in a randomised trial with twelve months of ADT in both arms [594]. The LDR boost resulted
in five- and seven-year PSA PFS increase (89% and 86%, respectively, compared to 84% and 75%). This
improvement came with an increase in late grade 3+ urinary toxicity (18% compared to 8%) [595]. Toxicity was
mainly due to urethral strictures and incontinence and great care should be taken during treatment planning.
6.2.3.3 Options other than surgery and radiotherapy for the primary treatment of localised prostate cancer.
Currently there is a lack of evidence supporting any other treatment option or focal therapy in localised high-
risk PCa.
6.2.3.4 Guidelines for radical treatment of high-risk localised disease

Radical Prostatectomy (RP)
Offer RP to patients with high-risk localised PCa and a life expectancy of > ten years only Strong
as part of multi-modal therapy.
Extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND)
Perform an ePLND in high-risk disease. Strong
Do not perform a frozen section of nodes during RP to decide whether to proceed with, or Strong
abandon, the procedure.
In patients with high-risk localised disease, use external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with Strong
76-78 Gy in combination with long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) (two to three
years).
In patients with high-risk localised disease, use EBRT with brachytherapy boost (either high- Weak
dose rate or low-dose rate), in combination with long-term ADT (two to three years).
Therapeutic options outside surgery and radiotherapy
Do not offer either whole gland or focal therapy to high-risk patients. Strong
Do not use ADT monotherapy in asymptomatic patients. Strong
6.2.4 Treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer

No standard treatment can be defined in the absence of level 1 evidence. But a local treatment combined with
a systemic one provides the best outcome, provided the patient is ready and fit enough to receive both. The
optimal local treatment is still a matter of debate. Randomised controlled trials are only available for EBRT.

6.2.4.1 Surgery
Surgery for locally advanced disease as part of a multimodal therapy has been reported [577, 596, 597].
However, the comparative oncological effectiveness of RP as part of a multimodality treatment strategy vs.
upfront EBRT with ADT for locally advanced PCa remains unknown, although a prospective phase III RCT
(SPCG-15) comparing RP (with or without adjuvant or salvage EBRT) against primary EBRT and ADT among
patients with locally advanced (T3) disease is currently recruiting [598]. Data from retrospective case series
demonstrated over 60% CSS at fifteen years and over 75% OS at ten years [574, 577, 596, 597, 599-602].
For cT3b-T4 disease, PCa cohort studies showed ten year CSS of over 87% and OS of 65% [603-605].
The indication for RP in all previously described stages assumes the absence of clinically detectable nodal
involvement (cN0). In case of suspected positive LNs during RP (initially considered cN0), the procedure
should not be abandoned since RP may have a survival benefit in these patients. Intra-operative frozen section
analysis is not justified in this case [401]. Only limited evidence exists supporting RP for cN+ patients. Moschini
et al. compared the outcomes of 50 patients with cN+ with those of 252 patients with pN1, but cN0 at pre-
operative staging. cN+ was not a significant predictor of CSS [606]. An ePLND is considered standard if a RP is
planned.
6.2.4.2 Radiotherapy for locally advanced PCa

In locally advanced disease, RCTs have clearly established that the additional use of long-term ADT combined
with RT produces better OS than ADT or RT alone (see Section 6.1.3.1.4 and Tables 6.1.9 and 6.1.10).
In clinical or pathological node-positive disease, RT monotherapy is associated with poor outcomes [460], and
these patients should receive RT plus long-term ADT. A subgroup analysis from the RTOG 85-31 with a median
follow-up period of 6.5 years, showed that 95 of the 173 pN1 patients who received pelvic RT with immediate
HT had better five-year (54%) and nine-year (10%) PFS rates vs. 33% and 4%, respectively, for radiation
alone (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that this combination had a statistically significant impact on
the OS [454]. These findings are also confirmed from the control arm of the STAMPEDE trial (HR: 0.48 [95%
CI: 0.29-0.79]) in a non-randomised comparison [607].
6.2.4.3 Options other than surgery and radiotherapy for primary treatment
Currently cryotherapy, HIFU or focal therapies have no place in the management of locally advanced PCa.
The deferred use of ADT as single treatment modality has been answered by the EORTC 30891 trial [567].
Nine hundred and eighty-five patients with T0-4 N0-2 M0 PCa received ADT alone, either immediately or after
symptomatic progression or occurrence of serious complications. After a median follow-up of 12.8 years, the
OS favoured immediate treatment (HR: 1.21 [95% CI: 1.05-1.39]). Surprisingly, no different disease-free or
symptom-free survival were observed, raising the question of survival benefit. In locally advanced T3-T4 M0
disease unsuitable for surgery or RT, immediate ADT may only benefit patients with a PSA > 50 ng/mL and a
PSA-DT < 12 months [567, 608], or those that are symptomatic. The median time to start deferred treatment
was seven years. In the deferred treatment arm, 25.6% died without needing treatment.
6.2.4.4 Guidelines for radical treatment of locally-advanced disease

Radical Prostatectomy (RP)
Offer RP to highly selected patients with (cT3b-T4 N0 or any T N1) only as part of Strong
multimodal therapy.
Extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND)
Perform an ePLND in high-risk PCa. Strong
Do not perform a frozen section of nodes during RP to decide whether to proceed with, or Strong
abandon, the procedure.
Radiotherapeutic treatments
In patients with locally advanced cN0 disease, offer radiotherapy in combination with long- Strong
term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
Offer long-term ADT for two to three years. Weak
Therapeutic options outside surgery and radiotherapy
Do not offer whole gland treatment or focal treatment to high-risk patients. Strong
Only offer ADT monotherapy to those patients unwilling or unable to receive any form of Strong
local treatment and who are either symptomatic or asymptomatic, but with a prostate-
specific antigen (PSA)-doubling time < 12 months or a PSA > 50 ng/mL, or a poorly-
differentiated tumour.

6.2.5 Adjuvant treatment after radical prostatectomy
Adjuvant treatment is by definition additional to the primary or initial therapy with the aim of decreasing the risk
of relapse. Clearly a post-operative detectable PSA is an indication of persistent PCa cells (see Section 6.2.6).
All information listed below, refers to patients with a post-operative undetectable PSA.
6.2.5.2 Risk factors for relapse

ISUP score > 2 or patients classified as pT3 pN0 after RP due to positive margins (highest impact), capsule
rupture and/or invasion of the seminal vesicles are at high risk of relapse which can be as high as 50% after
five years [609]. Irrespective of the pT stage, the number of removed nodes [394, 610-616], tumour volume
within the LNs and capsular perforation of the nodal metastases are predictors of early recurrence after RP for
pN1 disease [395]. A LN density (defined as the percentage of positive LNs in relation to the total number of
analysed/removed LNs) over 20% was found to be associated with poor prognosis [617]. Finally the number
of involved nodes seems to be a major factor for predicting relapse [611, 612, 618], the threshold being
considered to be less than three positive nodes from an ePLND [383, 611, 618]. However, prospective data are
needed before defining a definitive threshold value.
6.2.5.3 Immediate (adjuvant) post-operative external irradiation after RP (cN0 or pN0)

Three prospective RCTs have assessed the role of immediate post-operative RT (adjuvant RT [ART])
(Table 6.2.5.1). It must be emphasised that PSA was undetectable at inclusion only in the ARO 96-02 trial,
representing a major limitation in interpretation, as patients with a detectable PSA would now be considered
for salvage therapy rather than adjuvant radiotherapy [619]. Thus, for patients at increased risk of local relapse,
who present with a PSA level of < 0.1 ng/mL, two options can be offered in the framework of informed consent.
These are:
• Immediate ART to the surgical bed after recovery of urinary function, during the first six months post-
surgery [619-621];
or
• Clinical and biological monitoring followed by salvage radiotherapy (SRT) before the PSA exceeds 0.5 ng/
mL [622, 623] (see Section 6.3.5.1 on Salvage EBRT).
Table 6.2.5.1: O
verview of all three randomised trials for adjuvant surgical bed radiation therapy after
RP*
Reference n Inclusion Randomisation Definition Median Biochemical Overall

criteria of BCR PSA FU (mo) progression- survival
(ng/mL) free survival
SWOG 8794 431 pT3 cN0 ± 60-64 Gy vs. > 0.4 152 10 yr.: 53% vs. 10 yr.: 74%
2009 [619] involved SM observation 30% vs. 66%
(p < 0.05) Median time:
15.2 vs.
13.3 yr.,
p = 0.023
EORTC 1,005 pT3 ± 60 Gy vs. > 0.2 127 10 yr.: 60.6% 81% vs.
22911 2012 involved SM observation vs. 41% 77% n.s.
[620] pN0 pT2 (p < 0.001)
involved SM
pN0
ARO 96-02 388 pT3 (± 60 Gy vs. > 0.05 + 112 10 yr.: 56% vs. 10 yr.: 82%
2014 [621] involved SM) observation confirmation 35% vs. 86% n.s.
pN0 PSA (p = 0.0001)
post-RP
undetectable
*See Section 6.3.5 for delayed (salvage) post-radical prostatectomy external irradiation.
BCR = biochemical recurrence; FU = follow-up; mo = months; n = number of patients; n.s. = not significant;
PSA = prostate-specific antigen; RP = radical prostatectomy; SM = surgical margin.
6.2.5.4 Adjuvant androgen ablation

6.2.5.4.1 Adjuvant androgen ablation in men with N0 disease
Adjuvant androgen ablation with bicalutamide 150 mg daily did not improve PFS in localised disease while it

did for locally advanced disease after RT. However this never translated to an OS benefit [624]. A SR showed a
possible benefit for PFS, but not OS for adjuvant androgen ablation [400].
6.2.5.4.2 Adjuvant androgen ablation in men with pN1 disease

The combination of RP and early adjuvant HT in pN+ PCa has been shown to achieve a ten-year CSS rate of
80% and has been shown to significantly improve CSS and OS in a prospective RCT [625, 626]. However, this
trial included mostly patients with high-volume nodal disease and multiple adverse tumour characteristics and
the findings may not apply to men with less extensive nodal metastases.
6.2.5.5 Adjuvant radiotherapy combined with ADT in men with pN1 disease
In a retrospective multicentre cohort study, maximal local control with RT to the prostatic fossa appeared to
be beneficial in PCa patients with pN1 after RP, treated “adjuvantly” (within 6 months after surgery irrespective
of PSA) with continuous ADT. The beneficial impact of adjuvant RT on survival in patients with pN1 PCa was
highly influenced by tumour characteristics. Men with low-volume nodal disease (< 3 LNs), ISUP grade 2-5 and
pT3-4 or R1, as well as men with three to four positive nodes were more likely to benefit from RT after surgery,
while the other subgroups were not [627].
In a series of 2,596 pN1 patients receiving ADT (n = 1,663) or ADT plus RT (n = 906), combined
treatment was associated with improved OS, with a HR of 1.5 for sole ADT [628]. In a SEER retrospective
population-based analysis, adding RT to RP showed a non-significant trend to improved OS but not PCa-
specific survival, but data on the extent of additional RT is lacking in this study [629]. No recommendations
can be made on the extent of adjuvant RT in pN1 disease (prostatic fossa only or whole pelvis) although whole
pelvis RT was given in more than 70% of men in a large retrospective series that found a benefit for adding RT
to androgen ablation in pN1 patients [627]. No data is available regarding adjuvant EBRT without ADT.
6.2.5.6 Adjuvant chemotherapy

The TAX3501 trial comparing the role of leuprolide (eighteen months) with and without docetaxel (six cycles)
ended prematurely due to poor accrual. A recent phase III RCT comparing adjuvant docetaxel against
surveillance after RP for locally advanced PCa showed that adjuvant docetaxel did not confer any oncological
benefit [630]. Consequently, adjuvant chemotherapy after RP should only be considered in a clinical trial [631].
6.2.5.7 Guidelines for adjuvant treatment options after radical prostatectomy

Only discuss adjuvant treatment in men with a post-operative prostate-specific antigen Strong
(PSA) < 0.1 ng/mL.
Do not prescribe adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in pN0 patients. Strong
Offer adjuvant external-beam radiation therapy to the surgical field to patients at increased Strong
risk of local relapse: pT3 pN0 with positive margins (highest impact), and/or invasion of the
seminal vesicles.
Discuss three management options with patients with pN+ disease after an extended lymph Weak
node dissection, based on nodal involvement characteristics:
1. Offer adjuvant ADT for node-positive (pN+).
2. Offer adjuvant ADT with additional radiotherapy.
3. Offer observation (expectant management) to a patient after eLND and < 2 nodes with
microscopic involvement, and a PSA < 0.1 ng/mL and absence of extranodal extension.

6.2.5.8 Guidelines for non-curative or palliative treatments in prostate cancer

Watchful waiting (WW) for localised prostate cancer
Offer WW to asymptomatic patients not eligible for local curative treatment and 1b Strong
those with a short life expectancy.
While on WW, base the decision to start non-curative treatment on symptoms and Strong
disease progression.
Watchful waiting for locally advanced prostate cancer
Offer a deferred treatment policy using androgen deprivation (ADT) monotherapy to 1b Strong
M0 asymptomatic patients with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time >
twelve months, a PSA < 50 ng/mL and well differentiated tumour, who are unwilling
or unable to receive any form of local treatment.
6.2.6 Persistent PSA after radical prostatectomy

Between 5 and 20% of men continue to have detectable or persistent PSA after RP (when defined in the
majority of studies as detectable post-RP PSA of > 0.1 ng/mL within four to eight weeks of surgery) [632, 633].
It may result from persistent local disease, pre-existing metastases or residual benign prostate tissue.
6.2.6.2 Natural history of persistently elevated PSA after RP

Several studies (See table 6.3.1) have shown that persistent PSA after RP is associated with more advanced
disease (such as positive surgical margins (PSM), pathologic stage > T3a, positive nodal status and/or
pathologic ISUP grade > 3) and poor prognosis. Initially defined as > 0.1 ng/mL, improvements in the sensitivity
of PSA assays now allow for the detection of PSA at much lower levels.
Moreira et al. demonstrated that failure to achieve a PSA of less than 0.03 ng/mL within 6 months
of surgery was associated with an increased risk of BCR and overall mortality [634, 635]. However, since the
majority of the published literature is based on the > 0.1 ng/mL PSA cut-off, there is significantly more long-
term data for this definition.
Predictors of PSA persistence were higher BMI, higher pre-operative PSA and ISUP grade > 3 [635]. In patients
with PSA persistence, one and five-year BCR-free survival were 68% and 36%, compared to 95% and 72%,
respectively, in men without PSA persistence [634]. Ten-year OS in patients with and without PSA persistence
was 63% and 80%, respectively. In line with these data, Ploussard et al. reported that approximately 74% of
patients with persistent PSA develop BCR [632]. Spratt et al. confirmed that a persistently detectable PSA after
RP represents one of the worst prognostic factors associated with oncological outcome [636]. Of 150 patients
with a persistent PSA, 95% received RT before detectable metastasis. In a multivariable analysis, the presence
of a persistently detectable PSA post-RP was associated with a four-fold increase in the risk of developing
metastasis. This was confirmed by recent data from Preisser et al. who showed that persistent PSA is
prognostic of an increased risk of metastasis and death [637]. At fifteen years after RP, metastasis-free survival
rates, OS and CSS rates were 53.0 vs. 93.2% (p < 0.001), 64.7 vs. 81.2% (p < 0.001) and 75.5 vs. 96.2%
(p < 0.001) for persistent vs. undetectable PSA, respectively. The median follow-up was 61.8 months for
patients with undetectable PSA vs. 46.4 months for patients with persistent PSA. In multivariable Cox
regression models, persistent PSA represented an independent predictor for metastasis (HR: 3.59, p < 0.001),
death (HR: 1.86, p < 0.001) and cancer-specific death (HR: 3.15, p < 0.001).
However, not all patients with persistent PSA after RP experience disease recurrence. Xiang et al. showed that
five-year BCR-free survival for men who had a persistent PSA level > 0.1 but < 0.2 ng/mL at 6-8 weeks after RP
and were monitored was 50% [638].
Rogers et al. assessed the clinical outcome of 160 men with a persistently detectable PSA level after RP [639].
No patient received adjuvant therapy before documented metastasis. In their study, 38% of patients had no
evidence of metastases for > seven years while 32% of the patients were reported to develop metastases
within three years. Noteworthy is that a significant proportion of patients had low-risk disease. In multivariable
analysis, the PSA slope after RP (as calculated using PSA levels three to twelve months after surgery) and
pathological ISUP grade were significantly associated with the development of distant metastases.

Table 6.2.6.1: Studies on the natural history of patients with persistent PSA after RP
Authors Study n Definition PSA Treatment Outcome Other details/comments

population persistence
Ploussard 496 men PSA > 0.1 ng/mL 74.4% with
et al., J pN0 with at 6 wk. BCR
Urol persistent 5% with
2013 PSA 14 metastasis
[632] centres
1998 - 2011
Moreira 901 men 230 PSA persistence No RT info Increased Relative to men with
et al., Shared (8 pN1) definition of a risk for BCR undetectable PSA levels,
BJUI Equal PSA nadir > 0.03 after surgery those with a PSA nadir of
2009 Access ng/mL, 0.03 (HR: 3.88, p < 0.001),
[635] Regional 0.04 (HR: 4.87, p < 0.001),
Cancer 0.05-0.09 (HR: 12.69, p <
Hospital 0.001), 0.1-0.19 (HR: 13.17,
(SEARCH) p < 0.001), and 0.2 ng/mL
database. (HR: 13.23, p < 0.001) were at
2001-2008 increased risk of BCR while
men with a nadir of 0.01 (HR:
1.36, p = 0.400) and 0.02 (HR:
1.64, p = 0.180) were not.
Moreira 1,156 men 291 (10 PSA > 0.03 ng/mL No RT info Increased Median FU 48 mo. In patients
et al., J Shared pN1) within 6 mo. BCR and with persistent PSA 1 and
Urol 2009 Equal overall 5-yr. BFS was 68% and 36%,
[634] Access mortality significantly lower than 95%
Regional and 72%, respectively, in men
Cancer without persistent PSA. Ten-
Hospital year OS in patients with vs.
(SEARCH) without persistent PSA was
database. 63% vs. 80%. In men with
After 1997 persistent PSA independent
predictors of BCR were
higher PSA nadir (HR: 2.19,
p < 0.001), positive surgical
margins (HR: 1.75, p = 0.022)
and high pathological ISUP
grade (4-5 vs. 1, HR: 2.40,
p = 0.026). Independent
predictors of overall mortality
were a higher PSA nadir (HR:
1.46, p 0.013) and seminal
vesicle invasion (HR: 3.15, p
= 0.047)
Rogers 224 men 160 PSA > 0.1 ng/mL No Metastasis- Mean FU 5.3 yr.
et al., Single men at 3 mo. treatment free survival Seventy-five men (47%)
Cancer centre (58 before at 3, 5 and developed distant metastases
2004 (Johns pN1) onset of 10 yr. was after RP (median time to
[639] Hopkins) metastasis 68%, 49%, metastases 5.0 yr.; range,
1989 - 2002 and 22%, 0.5-13 yr.).
respectively.
The slope of PSA changes
approximately 3-12 mo.
after RP at a cut-off value
> 0.05 ng/mL was found
to be predictive of distant
metastasis-free survival
(HR: 2.9, p < 0.01).
BCR = biochemical recurrence; FU = follow-up; HR = hazard ratio; mo = months; n = number of patients;
PSA = prostate-specific antigen; RT = radiotherapy.

6.2.6.3 Imaging in patients with persistently elevated PSA after RP
Standard imaging with bone scan and MRI has a low pick-up rate for men with a PSA below 2 ng/mL.
However, PSMA PET/CT has been shown to identify residual cancer in 15-58%, 25-73%, 69-100% and
71-100% of men with post-RP PSA ranges of 0.2-0.5 ng/mL, 0.5-1 ng/mL, 1-2 ng/mL and > 2 ng/mL,
respectively [318, 640-644] which can guide salvage radiation therapy (SRT) planning [645]. Using this,
Schmidt-Hegemann et al. studied 129 patients who had either persistent PSA (52%) or BCR (48%) after RP
[646]. Interestingly, men with a persistent PSA had significantly more pelvic nodal involvement on PSMA PET/
CT than those developing a detectable PSA. At present there is uncertainty regarding the best treatment if
PSMA PET/CT shows metastatic disease.
6.2.6.4 Impact of post-operative RT and/or ADT in patients with persistent PSA

The benefit of SRT in patients with persistent PSA remains unclear due to a lack of RCTs, however, it would
appear that men with a persistent PSA do less well than men with BCR undergoing RT.
Wiegel et al. [633] showed that following salvage RT to the prostate bed, patients with a detectable PSA after
RP had significantly worse oncological outcomes when compared with those who achieved an undetectable
PSA. Ten-year metastasis-free survival was 67% vs. 83% and OS was 68% vs. 84%, respectively. Recent
data from Preisser et al. [637] also compared oncological outcomes of patients with persistent PSA who
received SRT vs. those who did not. In the subgroup of patients with persistent PSA, after 1:1 propensity
score matching between patients with salvage RT vs. no RT, OS rates at ten years after RP were 86.6 vs.
72.6% in the entire cohort (p < 0.01), 86.3 vs. 60.0% in patients with positive surgical margin (p = 0.02), 77.8
vs. 49.0% in pT3b disease (p < 0.001), 79.3 vs. 55.8% in ISUP grade 1 disease (p < 0.01) and 87.4 vs. 50.5%
in pN1 disease (p < 0.01), for salvage RT and no RT respectively. Moreover, CSS rates at ten years after RP
were 93.7 vs. 81.6% in the entire cohort (p < 0.01), 90.8 vs. 69.7% in patients with positive surgical margin
(p = 0.04), 82.7 vs. 55.3% in pT3b disease (p < 0.01), 85.4 vs. 69.7% in ISUP grade 1 disease (p < 0.01) and
96.2 vs. 55.8% in pN1 disease (p < 0.01), for salvage RT and no RT respectively. In multivariable models, after
1:1 propensity score matching, salvage RT was associated with lower risk for death (HR: 0.42, p = 0.02) and
lower cancer-specific death (HR: 0.29, p = 0.03). These survival outcomes for patients with persistent PSA who
underwent SRT suggest they benefit although outcomes are worse than for men experiencing BCR.
It is clear from a number of studies [633, 647-651] that poor outcomes are driven by the level of pre-RT PSA,
the presence of ISUP grade > 4 in the RP histology and pT3b disease. Fossati et al. suggested that only men
with a persistent PSA after RP and ISUP grade < 3 benefited significantly [652], although this is not supported
by Preisser et al. [637]. The current data does not allow making any clear treatment decisions.
Addition of ADT may improve PFS [647]. Choo et al. studied the addition of two-year ADT to immediate RT
to the prostate bed for patients with pathologic T3 disease (pT3) and/or positive surgical margins after RP
[647]. Twenty-nine of 78 included patients had persistently detectable post-operative PSA. The relapse-free
rate was 85% at five years and 68% at seven years, which was superior to the five-year progression-free
estimates of 74% and 61% in the post-operative RT arms of the EORTC and the SWOG studies, respectively,
which included patients with undetectable PSA after RP [619, 620]. Patients with persistently detectable post-
operative PSA comprised approximately 50% and 12% of the study cohorts in the EORTC and the SWOG
studies, respectively.
In the ARO 96-02, a prospective RCT, 74 patients with PSA persistence (20%) received immediate
SRT only with 66 Gy per protocol (arm C). The ten-year clinical relapse-free survival was 63% [633]. The
GETUG-22 trial comparing RT with RT plus short-term ADT for post-RP PSA persistence (0.2-2.0 ng/mL)
reported good tolerability of the combined treatment. The oncological end-points are yet to be published [653].
6.2.6.5 Conclusion
The available data, suggests that patients with PSA persistence after RP may benefit from early aggressive
multi-modality treatment, however, the lack of prospective RCTs makes firm recommendations difficult.
6.2.6.6 Recommendations for the management of persistent PSA after radical prostatectomy

Offer a prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA PET) Weak
scan to men with a persistent PSA > 0.2 ng/mL to exclude metastatic disease.
Treat men with no evidence of metastatic disease with salvage radiotherapy and additional Weak
hormonal therapy.

6.3 Management of PSA-only recurrence after treatment with curative intent
The follow up policy is described in chapter 7 and will not be discussed here.
6.3.1 Background
Between 27% and 53% of all patients undergoing RP or RT develop a rising, PSA (PSA recurrence). Whilst
a rising PSA level universally precedes metastatic progression, physicians must inform the patient that the
natural history of PSA-only recurrence may be prolonged and that a measurable PSA may not necessarily
lead to clinically apparent metastatic disease. Physicians treating patients with PSA-only recurrence face a
difficult set of decisions in attempting to delay the onset of metastatic disease and death while avoiding over-
treating patients whose disease may never affect their OS or QoL. It should be emphasised that the treatment
recommendations for these patients should be given after discussion in a multidisciplinary team.
6.3.2 Definitions of clinically relevant PSA relapse

The PSA level that defines treatment failure depends on the primary treatment. Patients with rising PSA
after RP or primary RT have different risks of subsequent symptomatic metastatic disease based on various
parameters, including the PSA level. Therefore, physicians should carefully interpret BCR end-points when
comparing treatments.
After RP, the threshold that best predicts further metastases is a PSA > 0.4 ng/mL and rising [654-656].
However, with access to ultra-sensitive PSA testing, a rising PSA much below this level will be a cause for
concern for patients. After primary RT, with or without short-term hormonal manipulation, the RTOG-ASTRO
Phoenix Consensus Conference definition of PSA failure (with an accuracy of > 80% for clinical failure) is
any PSA increase > 2 ng/mL higher than the PSA nadir value, regardless of the serum concentration of the
nadir [657].
After HIFU or cryotherapy no end-points have been validated against clinical progression or
survival; therefore, it is not possible to give a firm recommendation of an acceptable PSA threshold after these
alternative local treatments [2].
6.3.3 Natural history of biochemical recurrence

Once a PSA relapse has been diagnosed, it is important to determine, whether the recurrence has developed
at local or distant sites. A recent SR and meta-analysis investigated the impact of BCR on hard end-points and
concluded that patients experiencing BCR are at an increased risk of developing distant metastases, PCa-
specific and overall mortality [2]. However, the effect size of BCR as a risk factor for mortality is highly variable.
After primary RP, its impact ranges from HR 1.03 (95% CI: 1.004-1.06) to HR: 2.32 (95% CI: 1.45-3.71) [658,
659]. After primary RT, OS rates are approximately 20% lower at eight to ten years follow-up, even in men with
minimal comorbidity [660, 661]. Still, the variability in reported effect sizes of BCR remains high and suggests
that only certain patient subgroups with BCR might be at an increased risk of mortality.
The risk of subsequent metastases, PCa-specific - and overall mortality may be predicted by the
initial clinical and pathologic factors (e.g. T-category, PSA, ISUP grade) and PSA kinetics (PSA-DT and interval
to PSA failure), which was further investigated by this SR [2].
For patients with BCR after RP, the following outcomes were found to be associated with significant prognostic
factors:
• distant metastatic recurrence: positive surgical margins, high RP specimen pathological ISUP grade, high
pT category, short PSA-DT, high pre-sRT PSA;
• prostate-cancer-specific mortality: high RP specimen pathological ISUP grade, short interval to
biochemical failure as defined by investigators, short PSA-DT;
• overall mortality: high RP specimen pathological ISUP grade, short interval to biochemical failure, high
PSA-DT.
For patients with biochemical recurrence after RT, the corresponding outcomes are:
• distant metastatic recurrence: high biopsy ISUP grade, high cT category, short interval to biochemical
failure;
• prostate-cancer-specific mortality: short interval to biochemical failure;
• overall mortality: high age, high biopsy ISUP grade, short interval to biochemical failure, high initial
(pretreatment) PSA.
Based on the meta-analysis, proposal is to stratify patients into EAU Low-Risk BCR (PSA-DT > 1 year AND
pathological ISUP grade < 4 for RP; interval to biochemical failure > eighteen months AND biopsy ISUP
grade < 4 for RT) or EAU High-Risk BCR (PSA-DT < 1 year OR pathological ISUP grade 4-5 for RP, interval to

biochemical failure < 18 months OR biopsy ISUP grade 4-5 for RT), since not all patients with BCR will have
similar outcomes. The stratification into “EAU Low-Risk” or “EAU High-Risk” BCR has recently been validated
in a European cohort [662].
6.3.4 The role of imaging in PSA-only recurrence

Patients (and physicians) are acutely aware that any sustained rise in PSA heralds the presence of PCa cells.
Understandably, this drives the question whether imaging would reveal the site(s) of recurrence. However,
imaging is only of value if it leads to a treatment change and therefore to a better outcome. In practice, limited
data are available regarding the outcome based on imaging at relapse.
6.3.4.1 Assessment of metastases

6.3.4.1.1 Bone scan and abdominopelvic CT
Because BCR after RP or RT precedes clinical metastases by seven to eight years on average [613, 663], the
diagnostic yield of common imaging techniques (bone scan and abdominopelvic CT) is low in asymptomatic
patients [664]. In men with PSA-only relapse after RP, the probability of a positive bone scan is < 5%, when the
PSA level is < 7 ng/mL [665, 666].
Only 11-14% of patients with BCR after RP have a positive CT [665]. In a series of 132 men with
BCR after RP, the mean PSA level and PSA velocity associated with a positive CT were 27.4 ng/mL and
1.8 ng/mL/month, respectively [667].
6.3.4.1.2 Choline PET/CT

In two different meta-analyses, the combined sensitivities and specificities of choline PET/CT for all sites of
recurrence in patients with BCR were 86-89% and 89-93%, respectively [668, 669].
Choline PET/CT may detect multiple bone metastases in patients showing a single metastasis on
bone scan [670] and may be positive for bone metastases in up to 15% of patients with BCR after RP and
negative bone scan [671]. The specificity of choline PET/CT is also higher than bone scan with fewer false-
positive and indeterminate findings [305]. Detection of LN metastases using choline PET/CT remains limited
by the relatively poor sensitivity of the technique (see Section 5.3.2.2). Choline PET/CT sensitivity is strongly
dependent on the PSA level and kinetics [311, 672, 673]. In patients with BCR after RP, PET/CT detection
rates are only 5-24% when the PSA level is < 1 ng/mL, but rises to 67-100% when the PSA level is > 5 ng/mL.
Despite its limitations, choline PET/CT may change medical management in 18-48% of patients with BCR after
primary treatment [674-676].
Choline PET/CT should only be recommended in patients fit enough for curative loco-regional
salvage treatment. The sensitivity of choline PET is well known to be strongly influenced by PSA level and
kinetics [673] and drops to sub-optimal values in patients with a low PSA [673]; after RP a possible PSA cut-off
level for choline PET/CT analysis seems to be between 1 and 2 ng/mL [673].
6.3.4.1.3 Fluoride PET and PET/CT

18F-NaF PET/CT has a higher sensitivity than bone scan in detecting bone metastases [677]. However,
18F-NaF PET is limited by a relative lack of specificity and by the fact that it does not assess soft-tissue
metastases [678].
6.3.4.1.4 Fluciclovine PET/CT

18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT have a slightly higher sensitivity than choline PET/CT in detecting the site of relapse
in BCR [679]. In a recent multicentre trial evaluating 596 patients with BCR in a mixed population (33.3% after
RP, 59.5% after RT ± RP, 7.1% other), fluciclovine PET/CT showed an overall detection rate of 67.7%, with
a sensitivity of 62.7% (95% CI: 56-69%); lesions could be visualised either at local level (38.7%) or in lymph
nodes and bones (9%) [680]. As for Choline PET/CT, fluciclovine PET/CT sensitivity is dependent on the PSA
level, with a sensitivity likely inferior to 50% at PSA < 1 ng/mL.
It is noteworthy that 18F-fluciclovine has been approved in the US and Europe, and therefore is
currently the only PCa-specific radiotracer widely commercially available.
6.3.4.1.5 Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography computed tomography

Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT has shown good potential in patients with BCR, although most
studies are limited by their retrospective design. Detection rates of 15-58%, 25-73% and 69-100%, 71-100%
have been reported for PSA ranges of 0.2-0.5 ng/mL, 0.5-1 ng/mL, 1-2 ng/mL and > 2 ng/mL, respectively
[318, 640-644]. Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT seems substantially more sensitive than choline
PET/CT, especially for PSA levels < 1 ng/mL [641, 681]. Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT identified
the site of recurrence in 59 of 88 patients (67%) in a recent prospective trial [682]. A higher PSA velocity seems
associated with higher PSMA PET/CT-positivity rates [299, 318, 640].

In a prospective multicentre study of 323 patients with BCR, PSMA PET/CT changed the
management intent in 62% of patients as compared to conventional staging. This was due to a significant
reduction in the number of men in whom the site of disease recurrence was unknown (77% vs. 19%,
p < 0.001) and a significant increase in the number of men with metastatic disease (11% vs. 57%) [317].
A recent prospective study in a subgroup of 119 BCR patients with low PSA (< 0.5 ng/mL) reported a change in
the intended treatment in 30.2% of patients [683]; however, no data exist on the impact on final outcome.
A single-centre study retrospectively assessed 164 men from a prospectively-acquired database
who underwent imaging with PSMA PET/CT for a rising PSA after RP with PSA levels < 0.5 ng/mL. In men with
a negative PSMA PET/CT who received salvage RT, 85% (23 out of 27) demonstrated a treatment response,
compared to further PSA increase in 65% of those not treated (22 out of 34). In the 36/99 men with disease
confined to the prostate fossa on PSMA, 83% (29 out of 36) responded to salvage RT [684]. Thus, PSMA PET/
CT might stratify men into a group with high response (negative findings or recurrence confined to the prostate)
and poor response (positive nodes or distant disease) to salvage RT.
It is worth noting that the term “PSMA PET” refers to several different radiopharmaceuticals; the
majority of published studies used 68Ga-PSMA-11 [640-643, 681, 684-686] but other authors are reporting data
with 18F-labelled PSMA [644]. At present there are no conclusive data about comparison of such tracers [687].
6.3.4.1.6 Whole-body and axial MRI

Little is known regarding the accuracy of whole-body or axial MRI in patients with BCR after RP or RT [688].
Therefore, the role of these techniques in detecting occult bone or LN metastases in the case of BCR remains
to be assessed.
6.3.4.2 Assessment of local recurrences

6.3.4.2.1 Local recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Because the sensitivity of anastomotic biopsies is low, especially for PSA levels < 1 ng/mL [664], salvage RT
is usually decided on the basis of BCR without histological proof of local recurrence, preferably when the PSA
level is below 0.5 ng/mL. The dose delivered to the prostatic fossa tends to be uniform since it has not been
demonstrated that a focal dose escalation at the site of recurrence improves the outcome. Therefore, most
patients undergo salvage RT without local imaging.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging can detect local recurrences in the prostatic bed, but
its sensitivity in patients with a PSA level < 0.5 ng/mL remains controversial [689, 690]. Choline PET/CT is less
sensitive than mpMRI when the PSA level is < 1 ng/mL [691]. Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT
is positive in 15-58% of patients with BCR and PSA levels < 0.5 ng/mL, but published series are difficult to
interpret since they usually mix patients with a history of RP and RT [641, 642, 644]. Recent data support
the potential role of PSMA PET/CT especially for the identification of distant metastases, even at PSA levels
< 0.5 ng/mL [683].
Precise detection and location of local recurrences after RP will be needed but not until it has been
proven that stereotaxic boost to the recurrence site during salvage RT improves the patient outcome which, so
far, remains investigational.
6.3.4.2.2 Local recurrence after radiation therapy

In patients with BCR after RT, biopsy status is a major predictor of outcome, provided the biopsies are
obtained 18-24 months after treatment. Given the morbidity of local salvage options it is necessary to obtain
histological proof of the local recurrence before treating the patient [664].
Transrectal US is not reliable in identifying local recurrence after RT. In contrast, mpMRI has yielded
excellent results and can be used for biopsy targeting and guiding local salvage treatment [664, 692-694].
Detection of recurrent cancer is also feasible with choline PET/CT [695], but choline PET/CT has not been
compared to mpMRI yet. Prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT can play a role in the detection of local
recurrences after RT [299], but data are still limited by a lack of robust results from well-designed trials.
6.3.4.3 Summary of evidence on imaging in case of biochemical recurrence

In patients with BCR, imaging has the potential to play a role in detecting distant metastases and detecting and
localising local recurrence.
Early detection of metastases in a BCR setting is clinically highly relevant, either after RT or after
RP. Salvage therapies for local recurrences after RT induce substantial morbidity and it is necessary to detect
metastatic patients with the highest possible sensitivity to avoid the morbidity of useless salvage therapies
in these patients. Many recent studies suggest that PSMA PET/CT is substantially more sensitive than
abdominopelvic CT, bone scan and choline PET/CT in the detection of distant metastases in patients with
BCR. Although most studies are retrospective and/or monocentric, they all come to the same conclusion, as

confirmed by a recent SR comparing all imaging methods [696]. After RP, compared to choline PET/CT, PSMA
PET/CT showed high positivity rates, even for PSA levels < 1 ng/mL.
The role of imaging (MRI or PET/CT) in the detection and localisation of local recurrence after RP
to guide further salvage treatment is questionable since there is no data to support that a subsequent salvage
stereotaxic boost to the recurrence site will improve outcome.
However, local recurrence after RT prior to salvage treatment is confirmed by biopsy and, so far,
mpMRI is the best technique to evaluate local recurrence and guide targeted biopsies.
6.3.4.4 Guidelines for imaging in patients with biochemical recurrence
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence after radical prostatectomy LE Strength rating

Perform prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography 2b Weak
(PET) computed tomography (CT) if the PSA level is > 0.2 ng/mL and if the results
will influence subsequent treatment decisions.
In case PSMA PET/CT is not available, and the PSA level is > 1 ng/mL, perform Weak
fluciclovine PET/CT or choline PET/CT imaging if the results will influence
subsequent treatment decisions.
PSA recurrence after radiotherapy
Perform prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to localise abnormal 3 Strong
areas and guide biopsies in patients fit for local salvage therapy.
Perform PSMA PET/CT (if available) or fluciclovine PET/CT or choline PET/CT in 2b Strong
patients fit for curative salvage treatment.
6.3.5 Treatment of PSA-only recurrences

The timing and treatment modality for PSA-only recurrences after RP or RT remain a matter of controversy
based on the limited evidence.
6.3.5.1 Salvage radiotherapy [SRT] for PSA-only recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Early SRT provides the possibility of cure for patients with an increasing PSA after RP. Boorjian et al. reported
a 75% reduced risk of systemic progression with SRT, when comparing 856 SRT patients with 1,801 non-SRT
patients. The PSA level at BCR was shown to be prognostic [697]. More than 60% of patients who are treated
before the PSA level rises to > 0.5 ng/mL will achieve an undetectable PSA level [698-701], corresponding to
a ∼80% chance of being progression-free five years later [623]. A retrospective analysis of 635 patients who
were followed after RP and experienced BCR and/or local recurrence and either received no salvage treatment
(n = 397) or salvage RT alone (n = 160) within two years of BCR showed that salvage RT was associated with
a three-fold increase in PCa-specific survival relative to those who received no salvage treatment (p < 0.001).
Salvage RT has been shown to be effective mainly in patients with a short PSA-DT [702]. Despite the indication
for salvage RT, a “wait and see” strategy remains an option in patients with a PSA-DT of more than twelve
months and other favourable factors such a time to BCR > three year, < pT3a, ISUP grade < 2/3 [2, 703]. For an
overview see Table 6.3.1.

Table 6.3.1:
Selected studies of post-prostatectomy salvage radiotherapy, stratified by pre-salvage
radiotherapy (SRT) PSA level*
Reference Year n Median FU pre-SRT RT dose bNED/PFS 5-yr. results

(mo) PSA (ng/mL) ADT (year)
median
Bartkowiak, 2017 464 71 0.31 66.6 Gy 54% (5.9)
73% vs. 56%; PSA
et al. [704] < 0.2 vs. > 0.2 ng/mL
p < 0.0001
Soto, et al. 2012 441 36 < 1 (58%) 68 Gy 24% 63/55% (3) 44/40% ADT/no ADT
[705] ADT ADT/no ADT p < 0.16
Stish, et al. 2016 1,106 107 0.6 68 Gy 16% 50% (5) 44% vs. 58%; PSA
[698] ADT 36% (10) < 0.5 vs. > 0.5 ng/mL
p < 0.001
Tendulkar, 2016 2,460 60 0.5 66 Gy 16% 56% (5) SRT; PSA < 0.2 ng/mL
et al. [706] ADT 71% 0.21-0.5 ng/mL
63% 0.51-1.0 ng/mL
54% 1.01-2.0 ng/mL
43% > 2 ng/mL 37%
p < 0.001
* Androgen deprivation therapy can influence the outcome ‘biochemically no evidence of disease (bNED)’ or
‘progression-free survival’. To facilitate comparisons, 5-year bNED/PFS read-outs from Kaplan-Meier plots are
included.
ADT = androgen deprivation therapy; bNED = biochemically no evidence of disease; FU = follow up; mo =
months; n = number of patients; PFS = progression-free survival; PSA = prostate-specific antigen; SRT =
salvage radiotherapy; yr. = year.
Although biochemical progression is now widely accepted as a surrogate marker of PCa recurrence; metastatic
disease, disease specific- and OS are more meaningful end-points to support clinical decision making. A
SR and meta-analysis on the impact of BCR after RP reports SRT to be favourable for OS and PCa-specific
mortality. In particular SRT should be initiated in patients with rapid PSA kinetics after RP and with a PSA cut-
off of 0.4 ng/mL [2]. A recent, international, multi-institutional analysis of pooled data from RCTs has suggested
that metastasis-free survival is the most valid surrogate end-point with respect to impact on OS [707, 708].
Table 6.3.2 summarises results of recent studies on clinical end-points after SRT.
Table 6.3.2: Recent studies reporting clinical end-points after SRT
Reference Year n Median FU Regimen Outcome

(mo)
Bartkowiak, 2017 464 71 66.6 (59.4-72) Gy 5.9 yr. OS
et al. [704] no ADT post-SRT PSA < 0.1 ng/mL 98%
post-SRT PSA > 0.1 ng/mL 92%
p = 0.005
Jackson, 2014 448 64 68.4 Gy no ADT 5 yr. DM
et al.[709] post-SRT PSA < 0.1 ng/mL 5%
p < 0.0001
5 yr. DSM
post-SRT PSA < 0.1 ng/mL 2%
p < 0.0001
OS
post-SRT PSA < 0.1 ng/mL 97%
p < 0.0001

Stish, 2016 1,106 107 68 (64.8-70.2) Gy 5 and 8.9 yr. DM
et al. [698] 39% 2D treatment SRT: PSA < 0.5 ng/mL 7% and 12%
planning SRT: PSA > 0.5 ng/mL 14% and 23%
incl. 16% ADT p < 0.001
5 and 8.9 yr. DSM
SRT: PSA < 0.5 ng/mL < 1% and 6%
SRT: PSA > 0.5 ng/mL 5% and 10%
p = 0.02 5 and 8.9 yr. OS
SRT: PSA < 0.5 ng/mL 94% and 86%
SRT: PSA > 0.5 ng/mL 91% and 78%
p = 0.14
Tendulkar, 2016 2,460 60 66 (64.8-68.4) Gy 10 yr. DM
et al. [706] incl. 16% ADT SRT: PSA 0.01-0.2 ng/mL 9%
SRT: PSA 0.21-0.50 ng/mL 15%
SRT: PSA 0.51-1.0 ng/mL 19%
SRT: PSA 1.01-2.0 ng/mL 20%
SRT: PSA > 2 ng/mL 37%, p < 0.001
ADT = androgen deprivation therapy; DM = distant metastasis; DSM = disease specific mortality; FU = follow
up; mo = months; n = number of patients; OS = overall survival; PSA = prostate specific antigen; SRT = salvage
radiotherapy.
Data from RTOG 9601 [710] suggest both CSS and OS benefit when adding two years of bicalutamide to SRT.
According to GETUG-AFU 16, also six months treatment with a LHRH-analogue can significantly improve
five-year biochemical PFS, but CSS and OS data will require a longer follow-up [711]. When interpreting these
data, it has to be kept in mind that RTOG 9601 used outdated radiation dosages (< 66 Gy) and technique.
Table 6.3.3 provides an overview of these two RCTs. A recent review addressing benefit from hormone therapy
with SRT suggested risk stratification of patients, based on the pre-SRT PSA (> 0.7 ng/mL), margin status
(positive), and high ISUP grade, as a framework to individualise treatment. [712]. These findings were confirmed
by a retrospective multicentre-study including 525 patients which showed that only in patients with more
aggressive disease characteristics (pT3b/4 and ISUP grade > 4 or pT3b/4 and PSA at early SRT > 0.4 ng/mL)
the administration of concomitant ADT was associated with a reduction in distant metastasis [713].
Table 6.3.3: R
CTs comparing salvage radiotherapy combined with androgen deprivation therapy vs.
salvage radiotherapy alone
Reference Year n Risk Median Regimen Outcome

groups FU
(mo)
GETUG-AFU 16 2016 369 RT + ISUP grade 63 66 Gy + GnRH analogue 5 yr. PFS 80%
Carrie, et al. [711] ADT 374 RT < 2/3 89%, 6 mo. 66 Gy p < 0.0001
ISUP grade 5 yr. PFS 62%
> 4 11%
cN0
RTOG 9601 2017 384 RT + pT2 R1, pT3 156 64.8 Gy + bicalutamide 12 yr. DM 14%
Shipley, et al. ADT 376 RT cN0 24 mo. 64.8 Gy + p = 0.005
[710] placebo 12 yr. DM 23%
12 yr. OS 76%
p = 0.04
12 yr. OS 71%
12 yr. DSM 5.8%
p < 0.001
12 yr. DSM 13.4%
ADT = androgen deprivation therapy; DM = distant metastasis; DSM = disease specific mortality;
PFS = progression free survival; FU = follow-up; GnRH = gonadotropin-releasing hormone; OS = overall
survival; PFS = progression-free survival; mo = months; n = number of patients; RT = radiotherapy; yr. = years.
6.3.5.1.1 Target volume, dose, toxicity

There have been various attempts to define common outlines for “clinical target volumes” of PCa [714-717]
and for organs at risk of normal tissue complications [718]. However, given the variations of techniques and

dose-constraints, a satisfactory consensus has not yet been achieved. A benefit in biochemical PFS but
not metastasis-free survival (MFS) has been reported in patients receiving whole pelvis SRT (± ADT) but the
advantages must be weighed against possible side effects [719].
The optimal SRT dose has not been well defined. It should be at least 66 Gy to the prostatic fossa (plus/minus
the base of the seminal vesicles, depending on the pathological stage after RP) [699, 720]. In a SR, the pre-
SRT PSA level and SRT dose both correlated with BCR, showing that relapse-free survival decreased by 2.4%
per 0.1 ng/mL PSA and improved by 2.6% per Gy, suggesting that a treatment dose above 70 Gy should be
administered at the lowest possible PSA level [721]. The combination of pT stage, margin status and ISUP
grade and the PSA at SRT seems to define the risk of biochemical progression, metastasis and overall mortality
[722-724]. In a study on 894 node-negative PCa patients, doses ranging from 64 to > 74 Gy were assigned to
twelve risk groups, defined by their pre-SRT PSA classes < 0.1, 0.1-0.2, 0.2-0.4, and > 0.4 ng/mL and ISUP
grade, < 1 vs. 2/3 vs. > 4 [725]. The updated Stephenson nomograms incorporate the SRT and ADT doses as
predictive factors for biochemical failure and distant metastasis [706].
Salvage RT is also associated with toxicity. In one report on 464 SRT patients receiving median 66.6 (max.
72) Gy, acute grade 2 toxicity was recorded in 4.7% for both the GI and GU tract. Two men had late grade
3 reactions of the GI tract. Severe GU tract toxicity was not observed. Late grade 2 complications occurred
in 4.7% (GI tract) and 4.1% (GU tract), respectively, and 4.5% of the patients developed moderate urethral
stricture [704].
In a RCT on dose escalation for SRT involving 350 patients, acute grade 2 and 3 GU toxicity was observed in
13.0% and 0.6%, respectively, with 64 Gy and in 16.6% and 1.7%, respectively, with 70 Gy. Gastrointestinal
tract toxicity of grades 2 and 3 occurred in 16.0% and 0.6%, respectively, with 64 Gy, and in 15.4% and 2.3%,
respectively, with 70 Gy. Late effects have yet to be reported [726, 727].
With dose escalation over 72 Gy and/or up to a median of 76 Gy, the rate of severe side-effects, especially
genitourinary symptoms, clearly increases, even with newer planning and treatment techniques [728, 729]. In
particular, when compared with 3D-CRT, IMRT was associated with a reduction in grade 2 GI toxicity from 10.2
to 1.9% (p = 0.02), but had no differential effect on the relatively high level of GU toxicity (five-year, 3D-CRT
15.8% vs. IMRT 16.8%) [728]. After a median salvage IMRT dose of 76 Gy, the five-year risk of grade 2-3
toxicity rose to 22% for genitourinary and 8% for gastrointestinal symptoms, respectively [729]. Doses of at
least 66 Gy, and up to 72 Gy can be recommended [704, 726].
6.3.5.1.2 Comparison of adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) and salvage radiotherapy

The largest retrospective risk-matched study evaluating ART vs. early SRT comprised 510 pT3N0 R0/R1
patients (ADT was excluded). With a median follow-up of 94 months, 243 patients who had ART and 267
patients who had SRT at a PSA < 0.5 ng/mL, did not differ significantly in MFS (92% vs. 91%, p = 0.9) or
OS (89% vs. 92%, p = 0.9). Conclusion was that early salvage RT does not impair PCa control but clearly
helps reducing over-treatment, which is a major issue in both ART and in SRT [723]. Similarly, Buscarillo et al.
reported no difference in MFS or OS among two groups of 149 propensity-matched PCa patients with adverse
pathologic features [730]. However, these retrospective studies are underpowered for high-risk cases such as
pT3b/R1/ ISUP grade 4-5. In contrast to these studies, a propensity score-matched retrospective analysis of
two cohorts of 366 pT3 and/or R1 patients found that compared to SRT at a PSA between 0.1 and 0.5 ng/mL,
ART given at an undetectable PSA (< 0.1 ng/mL) improved all three end-points, biochemically no evidence of
disease, MFS, and OS [731].
Both approaches (ART and SRT) together with the efficacy of adjuvant ADT are currently being compared
in three prospective RCTs: the Medical Research Council (MRC) Radiotherapy and Androgen Deprivation
In Combination After Local Surgery (RADICALS) in the United Kingdom, the Trans-Tasman Oncology Group
(TROG) Radiotherapy Adjuvant Versus Early Salvage (RAVES), and Groupe d’Etude des Tumeurs Uro-Génitales
(GETUG 17).
It remains difficult to decide whether to proceed with adjuvant RT, for high-risk PCa, pT3-4 pN0 M0 with
undetectable PSA after RP, or to postpone RT as an early salvage procedure in the event of biochemical
relapse. In everyday practice, before RP, the urologist should explain to the patient that adjuvant RT may be
needed in the presence of negative prognostic risk factors.
6.3.5.1.3 Management of PSA failures after radiation therapy

Therapeutic options in these patients are ADT or local procedures such as salvage RP (SRP), cryotherapy,

interstitial brachytherapy and HIFU [732-741]. As the available evidence for these treatment options is of low
quality, strong recommendations regarding the choice of any of these techniques cannot be made as. The
following is an overview of the most important findings for each of these techniques with a proposal for their
indications.
6.3.5.2 Salvage radical prostatectomy

Salvage RP after RT has the best likelihood of achieving local control relative to other salvage treatments.
However, this must be weighed against the possible adverse events, which are increased compared to primary
surgery because of the risk of fibrosis and poor wound healing due to radiation.
6.3.5.2.1 Oncological outcomes

In a SR of the literature, Chade, et al. showed that SRP provided five- and ten-year BCR-free survival estimates
ranging from 47-82% and from 28-53%, respectively. The ten-year CSS and OS rates ranged from 70-83%
and from 54-89%, respectively. The pre-SRP PSA value and prostate biopsy ISUP grade were the strongest
predictors of the presence of organ-confined disease, progression, and CSS [742].
In most contemporary series, organ-confined disease, negative surgical margins, and the absence
of seminal vesicle and/or LN metastases were favourable prognostic indicators associated with a better DFS of
approximately 70-80%, in comparison with 40-60% in patients with locally advanced PCa [741].
Table 6.3.4: Oncological results of selected salvage radical prostatectomy case series, including at least
30 patients
Reference n Median Pathologic PSM Lymph-node BCR-free CSS Time

FU Organ- (%) involvement probability (%) probability
(mo) confined (%) (%) (%) (yr.)
Sanderson, et al. 51 - 25 36 28 47 - 5
2006 [743]
Leonardo, et al. 32 35 53 34 0 75 - 3
2009 [744]
Heidenreich, et al. 55 23 73 11 20 87 - 2
2010 [740] (2-56)
Chade, et al. 2011 404 55 55 25 16 37 83 10
[745]
Mandel, et al. 55 36 50 27 22 49 89 5
2016 [746]
BCR = biochemical recurrence; CSS = cancer-specific survival; FU = follow-up; mo = months; n = number of
patients; PSM = positive surgical margin.
6.3.5.2.2 Morbidity
Compared to primary open RP, SRP is associated with a higher risk of later anastomotic stricture (47 vs.
5.8%), urinary retention (25.3% vs. 3.5%), urinary fistula (4.1% vs. 0.06%), abscess (3.2% vs. 0.7%) and rectal
injury (9.2 vs. 0.6%) [747]. In more recent series, these complications appear to be less common [739, 742].
Functional outcomes are also worse compared to primary surgery, with urinary incontinence ranging from 21%
to 90% and ED in nearly all patients [742].
Table 6.3.5: Peri-operative morbidity in selected salvage radical prostatectomy case series, including at
least 30 patients
Reference n Rectal injury (%) Anastomotic Clavien 3-5 (%) Blood loss, mL,
stricture (%) mean, range
Stephenson, et al. 2004 [739] 100 15 vs. 2* 30 33 vs. 13* -
Ward, et al. 2005 [748] 138 5 22 - -
Sanderson, et al. 2006 [743] 51 2 41 6 -
Gotto, et al. 2010 [747] 98 9 41 25 -
Heidenreich, et al. 2010 [740] 55 2 11 3.6 360 (150-1450)
* SRP performed before vs. after 1993.
n = number of patients.

6.3.5.2.3 Summary of salvage radical prostatectomy
In general, SRP should be considered only for patients with low comorbidity, a life expectancy of at least
ten years, a pre-SRP PSA < 10 ng/mL and biopsy ISUP grade < 2/3, no LN involvement or evidence of
distant metastatic disease pre-SRP, and those whose initial clinical staging was T1 or T2 [742]. A meta-
regression analysis suggested that SRP may be associated with worse continence outcomes than non-surgical
approaches [749].
6.3.5.3 Salvage cryoablation of the prostate

Salvage cryoablation of the prostate (SCAP) has been proposed as an alternative to SRP, as it has a potentially
lower risk of morbidity and equal efficacy. However, the very few studies available have shown disappointing
results. In a review of the use of SCAP for recurrent cancer after RT, the five-year biochemical disease-free
survival estimates ranged from 50-70%. A durable response can be achieved in ∼50% of patients with a pre-
SCAP PSA < 10 ng/mL [750]. In a multicentre study reporting the current outcome of SCAP in 279 patients, the
five-year BCR-free survival estimate according to the Phoenix criteria was 54.5 ± 4.9%. Positive biopsies were
observed in 15/46 patients (32.6%) who underwent prostate biopsy after SCAP [751].
A case-matched control study comparing SRP and SCAP was performed in men with recurrent PCa
after RT. The authors compared the oncological outcomes of the two salvage treatment options after mean
follow-up periods of 7.8 (SRP group) and 5.5 years (SCAP group). The five-year OS was significantly higher in
the SRP group (95% vs. 85%) [752].
Table 6.3.6: O
ncological results of selected salvage cryoablation of the prostate case series, including at
least 50 patients
Reference n Median BCR-free Time Definition of failure

FU (mo) probability (%) probability (yr.)
Pisters, et al. 1997 [752] 150 17 44 - Nadir + 0.2
Bahn, et al. 2003 [753] 59 82 59 7 PSA > 0.5
Ismail, et al. 2007 [750] 100 33 73 (low risk) 5 ASTRO
Pisters, et al. 2008 [751] 279 22 58 5 ASTRO and Phoenix
Williams, et al. 2011 [754] 187 7.46 yr. 39 10 Nadir +2
Spiess, et al. 2010 [755] 450 40.8 34 - PSA > 0.5
ASTRO = American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology; BCR = biochemical recurrence;
FU = follow-up; mo = months; n = number of patients; PSA = prostate-specific antigen; yr. = year.
6.3.5.3.2 Morbidity
According to Cespedes, et al. [756], the risks of urinary incontinence and ED at at least twelve months after
SCAP were as high as 28% and 90%, respectively. In addition, 8-40% of patients reported persistent rectal
pain, and an additional 4% of patients underwent surgical procedures for the management of treatment-
associated complications. In an on-line registry by Pisters, et al., urinary incontinence rates were 4.4%. The
rectal fistulae rate was 1.2% and 3.2% of patients requiring a TURP for removal of sloughed tissue [751]. With
the use of third-generation technology, complications such as urinary incontinence and obstruction/retention
have significantly decreased during the last decade (see Table 6.3.5) [757].
Table 6.3.7:
Peri-operative morbidity, erectile function and urinary incontinence in selected salvage
cryoablation of the prostate case series, including at least 50 patients
Reference n Incontinence (%) Obstruction/ Rectourethral ED (%)

Retention (%) fistula (%)
Pisters, et al. 1997 [758] 150 73 67 1 72
Bahn, et al. 2003 [753] 59 8 - 3.4 -
Ismail, et al. 2007 [750] 100 13 4 1 -
Pisters, et al. 2008 [751] 279 4.4 3.2 1.2 -
Ahmad, et al. 2013 [759] 283 12 7 1.8 83
ED = erectile dysfunction; n = number of patients.
6.3.5.3.3 Summary of salvage cryoablation of the prostate

In general, SCAP should be considered only for patients with low comorbidity, a life expectancy of at least

ten years, an initial organ-confined PCa cT1c to cT2, initial ISUP grade < 2/3, a pre-salvage PSA-DT > sixteen
months and a pre-salvage PSA < 10 ng/mL.
6.3.5.4 Salvage brachytherapy for radiotherapy failure

Although there is no role for salvage EBRT following local recurrence after previous definitive RT, in carefully
selected patients with a good PS, primary localised PCa and histologically proven local recurrence (based
on Phoenix criteria [657]), HDR- or LDR brachytherapy remain effective treatment options with an acceptable
toxicity profile [760-762]. However, the published series are relatively small and consequently this treatment
should be offered in experienced centres only. Fifty-two patients were treated at the Scripps Clinic with
HDR brachytherapy over a period of nine years [760]. With a median follow-up of 60 months the five-year
biochemical control was 51% and only 2% grade 3 genitourinary toxicities were reported (Phoenix criteria).
Comparable with these data, 42 patients were treated in a phase II trial at MSKCC in New York [763]. Of
note, the median pre-treatment dose was 81 Gy given with IMRT and the prescription HDR-dose of 32 Gy
was delivered in four fractions over 30 hours. The biochemical relapse-free survival after five years was 69%
(median follow-up 36 months). Grade 2 late side-effects were seen in 15% and one patient developed grade 3
incontinence. However, older data with higher rates of side-effects have been reported [764].
Using LDR brachytherapy with 103palladium, long-term outcome was reported in 37 patients with
a median follow-up of 86 months [761]. The biochemical control rate after ten years was 54%. However, the
crude rate of > grade 2 toxicity was 46% and > grade 3 toxicity was 11%. These side-effects were comparable
with a series of 31 patients treated with salvage I-125 brachytherapy in the Netherlands. Therefore, in these
small series, late side-effects seem to be lower with HDR brachytherapy [765]. In conclusion, freedom
from BCR after salvage HDR- and LDR brachytherapy is promising and the rate of severe side-effects in
experienced centres seem to be acceptable. Salvage brachytherapy remains a treatment option for selected
patients with histologically proven local recurrence after RT.
6.3.5.5 Salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound

Salvage HIFU has more recently emerged as an alternative thermal ablation option for radiation-recurrent PCa.
Most of the data were generated by one high-volume centre. Median follow-up was very short, and outcome
measures were non-standardised.
Table 6.3.8: O
ncological results of selected salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound case series,
including at least 20 patients
Reference n Median BCR-free probability (%) Negative biopsy rate

FU (mo) ASTRO and Phoenix criteria
Colombel, et al. 2006 [766] 224 15-18 - 80
Gelet, et al. 2000 [767] - - - -
Gelet, et al. 2004 [768] - - - -
Uchida, et al. 2011 [769] 22 24 59 (Phoenix) (24 mo.) 92 (only 12 biopsied)
Berge, et al. 2011 [770] 46 9 60.9 (9 mo) -
Crouzet, et al. 2017 [771] 418 42 49% (5 y.); 82% CSS (7 yr.) -
BCR = biochemical recurrence; CSS = cancer-specific survival; FU = follow-up; mo = months;
n = number of patients; yr. = year.
6.3.5.5.2 Morbidity
Most of the data were generated by one high-volume HIFU centre. Important complication rates were
mentioned and are at least comparable to other salvage treatment options.
6.3.5.5.3 Summary of salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound

There is a lack of quality data which prohibits any recommendation regarding the indications for salvage HIFU.
6.3.6 Salvage lymph node dissection

Novel imaging modalities improve the early detection of nodal metastases [772]. The surgical management
of (recurrent) nodal metastases in the pelvis has been the topic of several retrospective analyses [772-774].
The majority of treated patients showed BCR but clinical recurrence-free and CSS ten-year survival over 70%
has been reported [773, 775]. Neither the template nor the real value of nodal salvage dissection is available.
It must, however, be remembered that the imaging modalities under-evaluate the real nodal involvement.
Biochemical recurrence rates were found to be dependent on PSA at surgery and location and number of

positive nodes [776]. Addition of RT to the lymphatic template after salvage LND may improve the BCR rate
[777]. The real efficacy of this salvage procedure remains unproven, as is its impact on survival [778].

The Guidelines Panel conducted a SR including studies published from 2000 onwards [779]. Conflicting results
were found on the clinical effectiveness of HT after previous curative therapy of the primary tumour. Some
studies reported a favourable effect of HT, including the only RCT addressing the research question of this
review (86% vs. 79% advantage in OS in the early HT group) [780]. Other studies did not find any differences
between early vs. delayed, or no, HT. One study found an unfavourable effect of HT [781]. This may be the
result of selecting clinically unfavourable cases for (early) HT and more intensive diagnostic work-up and
follow-up in these patients.
The studied population is highly heterogeneous regarding their tumour biology and therefore clinical
course. Predictive factors for poor outcomes were; CRPC, distant metastases, CSS, OS, short PSA-DT, high
ISUP grade, high PSA, increased age and comorbidities. In some studies, such as the Boorjian, et al. study
[703], high-risk patients, mainly defined by a high ISUP grade and a short PSA-DT (most often less than six
months), seem to benefit most from (early) HT, especially in men with a long life expectancy.
No data were found on the effectiveness of different types of HT, although it is unlikely that this will have a
significant impact on survival outcomes in this setting. Non-steroidal anti-androgens have been claimed to
be inferior compared to castration, but this difference was not seen in M0 patients [702]. One of the included
RCTs suggested that intermittent HT is not inferior to continuous HT in terms of OS and CSS [782]. A small
advantage was found in some QoL domains but not overall QoL outcomes. An important limitation of this RCT
is the lack of any stratifying criteria such as PSA-DT or initial risk factors.
Based on the lack of definitive efficacy and the undoubtedly associated significant side-effects, patients
with recurrence after primary curative therapy should not receive standard HT. Only a minority of them will
progress to metastases or PCa-related death. The objective of HT should be to improve OS, postpone distant
metastases, and improve QoL. Biochemical response to only HT holds no clinical benefit for a patient. For
older patients and those with comorbidities, the side-effects of HT may even decrease life expectancy; in
particular, cardiovascular risk factors need to be considered [783, 784]. Early HT should be reserved for those
at highest risk of disease progression, defined mainly by a short PSA-DT at relapse (> 6-12 months) or a high
initial ISUP grade (> 2/3), and a long life expectancy.
6.3.8 Observation
For patients with EAU low-risk BCR features (see Section 6.3.3), unfit patients with a life expectancy of less
than ten years or patients unwilling to undergo salvage treatment, active follow-up may represent a viable
option. In unselected relapsing patients, the median actuarial time to the development of metastasis will be
eight years and the median time from metastasis to death will be a further five years [613].
6.3.9 Guidelines for second-line therapy after treatment with curative intent
Local salvage treatment Strength rating

Recommendations for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Offer active surveillance and possibly delayed salvage radiotherapy (SRT) to patients with Strong
biochemical recurrence and classified as EAU low-risk group at relapse who may not benefit
from intervention.
Treat patients with a PSA rise from the undetectable range with SRT. Strong
Once the decision for SRT has been made, SRT (at least 66 Gy) should be given as soon as
possible.
Offer pN0 patients undergoing SRT hormonal therapy (with bicalutamide 150 mg for two Weak
years, or LHRH agonists for up to two years).
Recommendations for biochemical recurrence after radiotherapy
Treat highly selected patients with localised PCa and a histologically proven local recurrence Weak
with salvage radical prostatectomy.
Salvage RP should only be performed in experienced centres. Strong
Do not offer high intensity focused ultrasound, cryosurgical ablation and salvage Strong
brachytherapy to patients with proven local recurrence since it is still experimental.
Recommendations for systemic salvage treatment
Do not offer androgen deprivation therapy to M0 patients with a PSA-DT > twelve months. Strong

6.4 Treatment: Metastatic prostate cancer
6.4.1 Introduction
All prospective data available rely on the definition of M1 disease based on CT scan and bone scan. The
influence on treatment and outcome of newer, more sensitive imaging has not been assessed yet.
6.4.2 Prognostic factors

Median survival of patients with newly diagnosed metastases is approximately 42 months [785]. However, the
M1 population is heterogeneous. Several prognostic factors for survival have been suggested including the
number and location of bone metastases, presence of visceral metastases, ISUP grade, PS status and initial
PSA alkaline phosphatase but only few have been validated [786-789].
“Volume” of disease as a potential predictor was introduced by CHAARTED (Chemo-hormonal
Therapy versus Androgen Ablation Randomized Trial for Extensive Disease in Prostate Cancer) [789-791]
and has been shown to be predictive in a powered subgroup analysis for benefit of addition of prostate
radiotherapy ADT [792].
Based on a large SWOG 9346 cohort, the PSA level after seven months of ADT was used to
create three prognostic groups (see Table 6.4.2) [793]. PSA < 0.2 ng/mL at seven months has been
confirmed as a prognostic marker for men receiving ADT for metastatic disease in the CHAARTED study
independent of the addition of docetaxel [794].
Table 6.4.1 Definition of high- and low volume and risk in CHAARTED [789-791] and LATITIDE [795]
High Low
CHAARTED > 4 Bone metastasis including > 1 outside vertebral column or spine Not high
(volume) OR
Visceral metastasis
LATITUDE > 2 high risk features of Not high
(risk) • > 3 Bone metastasis
• Visceral metastasis
• > ISUP grade 4
Table 6.4.2: Prognostic factors based on the SWOG 9346 study [793]
PSA after 7 months of castration Median survival

< 0.2 ng/mL 75 months
0.2 < 4 ng/mL 44 month
> 4 ng/mL 13 months
6.4.3 First-line hormonal treatment

Primary ADT has been the standard of care for over 50 years [493]. There is no level 1 evidence in favour of a
specific type of ADT, neither for orchiectomy nor for an LHRH analogue or antagonist. Exception is patients
with impending spinal cord compression for whom either a bilateral orchidectomy or LHRH antagonists are the
preferred options.
6.4.3.1 Non-steroidal anti-androgen monotherapy

Based on a Cochrane SR comparing non-steroidal anti-androgen (NSAA) monotherapy to castration (either
medical or surgical), NSAA was considered to be less effective in terms of OS, clinical progression, treatment
failure and treatment discontinuation due to adverse events [796]. The evidence quality of the studies included
in this review was rated as moderate.
6.4.3.2 Intermittent versus continuous androgen deprivation therapy

Three independent reviews [797-799] and two meta-analyses [800, 801], looked at the clinical efficacy of
intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) therapy. All of these reviews included eight RCTs of which only three
were conducted in patients with exclusively M1 disease. The five remaining trials included different patient
groups, mainly locally advanced and metastatic patients relapsing.
So far, the SWOG 9346 is the largest trial addressing IAD in M1b patients [802]. Out of 3,040 screened patients,
only 1,535 patients finally met the inclusion criteria. This highlights that, at best, only 50% of M1b patients can
be expected to be candidates for IAD, i.e. the best PSA responders. This was a non-inferiority trial leading to

inconclusive results: the actual upper limit was above the pre-specified 90% upper limit of 1.2 (HR: 1.1; CI:
0.99-1.23), the pre-specified non-inferiority limit was not achieved, and the results did not show a significant
inferiority for any treatment arm. However, based on this study inferior survival with IAD cannot be completely
ruled out.
Other trials did not show any survival difference with an overall HR for OS of 1.02 (0.94-1.11) [797].
These reviews and the meta-analyses came to the conclusion that a difference in OS or CSS between IAD
and continuous ADT is unlikely. A recent review of the available phase III trials highlighted the limitations of
most trials and suggested a cautious interpretation of the non-inferiority results [803]. None of the trials that
addressed IAD vs. continuous ADT in M1 patients showed a survival benefit, but there was a trend towards
improved OS and PFS with continuous ADT. Most of these trials, however, were non-inferiority trials. In some
cohorts the negative impact on sexual function was less pronounced with IAD. There is a trend favouring IAD in
terms of QoL, especially regarding treatment-related side-effects, such as hot flushes [804, 805].
Other possible long-term benefits of IAD from non-RCTs include a protective effect against bone loss,
metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular problems [806]. This possible protective effect was recently challenged
by the results from a detailed analysis of the SWOG 9346 trial [807]. These results showed an increased risk
for thrombotic and ischaemic events, while there was no benefit concerning endocrine, psychiatric, sexual
and neurological side-effects with IAD. Testosterone recovery was observed in most studies [808] leading to
only intermittent castration. These outcomes, as well as the lack of any survival benefit in M1 patients, suggest
that this treatment modality should only be considered as an option in a well-informed patient bothered by
significant side-effects.
The PSA threshold at which ADT must be stopped or resumed for IAD still needs to be defined in prospective
studies [798, 808]. Nevertheless, there is consensus amongst many authors on the following statements:
• Intermittent androgen deprivation is based on intermittent castration; therefore, only drugs leading to
castration are suitable.
• Luteinising-hormone releasing hormone antagonist might be a valid alternative to an agonist.
• The induction cycle should not be longer than nine months, otherwise testosterone recovery is unlikely.
• Androgen deprivation therapy should be stopped only if all of the following criteria have been met:
-- well-informed and compliant patient;
-- no clinical progression;
-- a clear PSA response, empirically defined as a PSA < 4 ng/mL in metastatic disease.
• Strict follow-up is mandatory which should include a clinical examination every three to six months.
The more advanced the disease, the closer the follow-up should be.
• PSA should always be measured by the same laboratory.
• Treatment is resumed when the patient progresses clinically, or has a PSA rising above a pre-determined
(empirically set) threshold: usually 10-20 ng/mL in metastatic patients.
• The same treatment is used for at least three to six months.
• Subsequent cycles of treatment are based on the same principles until the first sign of castration
resistance becomes apparent.
• The group of patients who will benefit most from IAD still has to be defined but the most important factor
seems to be the patient’s response to the first cycle of IAD, e.g. the PSA level response [798].
6.4.3.3 Immediate versus deferred androgen deprivation therapy

In symptomatic patients immediate treatment is mandatory. However, controversy still exists for asymptomatic
metastatic patients due to the lack of quality studies. A Cochrane review extracted four RCTs: the VACURG
I and II trials, the MRC trial, and the ECOG 7887 study [794, 796]. All of these studies were conducted in the
pre-PSA era and included patients with advanced PCa either metastatic or non metastatic, who received
immediate vs. deferred ADT [809]. No improvement in PCa CSS was observed, although immediate ADT
significantly reduced disease progression.
6.4.4 Combination therapies

6.4.4.1 Complete androgen blockade
The largest RCT in 1,286 M1b patients found no difference between surgical castration with or without
flutamide [810]. However, results with other anti-androgens or castration modalities have differed and SRs have
shown that CAB using a NSAA appears to provide a small survival advantage (< 5%) vs. monotherapy (surgical
castration or LHRH agonists) [811, 812] beyond five years of survival [813] but this minimal advantage in
a small subset of patients must be balanced against the increased side-effects associated with long-term use
of NSAAs.

6.4.4.2 Androgen deprivation combined with other agents
6.4.4.2.1 Combination with abiraterone acetate
In two large RCTs (STAMPEDE, LATITUDE) the addition of abiraterone acetate (1000 mg daily) plus prednisone
(5 mg daily) to ADT in men with hormone-sensitive PCa (mHSPC) was studied [33, 795]. The primary objective
of both trials was an improvement in OS. Both trials showed a significant OS benefit but in LATITUDE with a HR
of 0.62 (0.51-0.76) [795] in high-risk metastatic patients only. The HR in STAMPEDE was very similar with 0.63
(0.52-0.76) in the total patient population (metastatic and non metastatic) and a HR of 0.61 in the subgroup of
metastatic patients [33]. The inclusion criteria in the two trials differed, but both trials were positive for OS.
All secondary objectives such as PFS, time to radiographic progression, time to pain, or time to
chemotherapy were positive and in favour of the combination. The key findings are summarised in
Table 6.4.3. No difference in treatment-related deaths was observed with the combination of ADT plus
abiraterone acetate and prednisone compared to ADT monotherapy [HR: 1.37 (0.82-2.29]. However, twice as
many patients discontinued treatment due to toxicity in the combination arms in STAMPEDE (20%)
compared to LATITUDE (12%). Based on these data, upfront abiraterone acetate plus prednisone
combined with ADT should be considered as a standard in men presenting with metastases at first
presentation, provided they are fit enough to receive the drug [814].
Table 6.4.3: Results from the STAMPEDE arm G and LATITUDE studies
STAMPEDE [James] [33] LATITUDE [Fizazi] [795]

ADT ADT + AA + P ADT + placebo ADT + AA + P
n 957 960 597 602
Newly diagnosed N+ 20% 19% 0 0
Newly diagnosed M+ 50% 48% 100% 100%
Key inclusion criteria Patients scheduled for long-term ADT Newly diagnosed M1 disease and 2 out
- newly diagnosed M1 or N+ situations of the 3 risk factors: ISUP grade > 4,
- locally advanced (at least two of cT3 cT4, > 3 bone lesions, measurable visceral
ISUP grade > 4, PSA > 40 ng/mL) metastasis
- relapsing locally treated disease with a
PSA > 4 ng/mL and a PSA-DT < 6 mo.
OR PSA > 20 ng/mL, OR nodal OR
metastatic relapse
Primary objective OS OS
Radiographic PFS
Median follow up (mo) 40 30.4
3 year OS 83% (ADT + AA + P) 66% (ADT + AA + P)
76% (ADT) 49% (ADT + placebo)
HR (95% CI) 0.63 (0.52 - 0.76) 0.62 (0.51-0.76)
M1 only
n 1,002 1,199
3 year OS NA 66% (ADT + AA + P)
49% (ADT + placebo)
HR (95% CI) 0.61 (0.49-0.75) 0.62 (0.51-0.76)
HR Failure-free survival (biological, Radiographic PFS:
radiological, clinical or death): 0.29 (0.25- 0.49 (0.39-0.53)
0.34)
AA = abiraterone acetate; ADT = androgen deprivation therapy; CI = confidence interval;
HR = hazard ratio; mo = month; n = number of patients; NA = not available; OS = overall survival;
P = prednisone; PFS = progression-free survival; PSA = prostate-specific antigen.
6.4.4.2.2 Androgen deprivation therapy combined with chemotherapy

Three large RCTs were conducted [571, 789, 815]. All trials compared ADT alone as the standard of care
with ADT combined with immediate docetaxel (75 mg/sqm, every three weeks) (within three months of
ADT initiation). The primary objective in all three studies was OS. The key findings are summarised in Table
6.4.4.

Table 6.4.4: Key findings - Hormonal treatment combined with chemotherapy
STAMPEDE James [571] GETUG Gravis [815] CHAARTED Sweeney

[789]
ADT ADT + Docetaxel + P ADT ADT + ADT ADT +
Docetaxel Docetaxel
n 1,184 592 193 192 393 397
Newly 58% 59% 75% 67% 73% 73%
diagnosed M+
Key inclusion Patients scheduled for long-term ADT Metastatic disease Metastatic disease
criteria - newly diagnosed M1 or N+ situations Karnofsky score > 70% ECOG PS 0, 1 or 2
- locally advanced (at least two of cT3
cT4, ISUP grade > 4, PSA > 40 ng/mL)
- relapsing locally treated disease with
a PSA > 4 ng/mL and a PSA-DT < 6
mo. OR PSA > 20 ng/mL,
OR nodal
OR metastatic relapse
Primary OS OS OS
objective
Median follow 43 50 29
up (mo)
HR (95% CI) 0.78 (0.66-0.93) 1.01 (0.75-1.36) 0.61 (0.47-0.80)
M1 only
n 1,086
HR (95% CI) 0.76 (0.62-0.92)
ADT = androgen deprivation therapy; FU = follow-up; HR = hazard ratio; n = number of patients;
OS = overall survival; P = prednisone; PSA-DT = prostate-specific antigen – doubling time.
In the GETUG 15 trial, all patients had newly diagnosed M1 PCa, either de novo or after a primary treatment
[815]. They were stratified based on previous treatment, and Glass risk factors [786]. In the CHAARTED trial,
the same inclusion criteria applied and patients were stratified according to disease volume; high volume being
defined as either presence of visceral metastases or four, or more, bone metastases, with at least one outside
the spine and pelvis [789].
STAMPEDE is a multi-arm multi-stage trial in which the reference arm (ADT monotherapy) included
1,184 patients. One of the experimental arms was docetaxel combined with ADT (n = 593), another was
docetaxel combined with zoledronic acid (n = 593). Patients were included with either M1, or N1, or having
two of the following three criteria: T3/4, PSA > 40 ng/mL or ISUP grade 4-5. Also relapsed patients after local
treatment were included if they met one of the following criteria: PSA > 4 ng/mL with a PSA-DT < 6 months or a
PSA > 20 ng/mL, N1 or M1. No stratification was used regarding metastatic disease volume (high/low volume)
[571].
In all three trials toxicity was mainly haematological with around 12-15% grade 3-4 neutropenia, and
6-12% grade 3-4 febrile neutropenia. The use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor (GCSF) was
shown to be beneficial in reducing febrile neutropenia. Primary or secondary prophylaxis with GCSF should be
based on available guidelines [814, 816].
Based on these data, upfront docetaxel combined with ADT should be considered as a standard in men
presenting with metastases at first presentation, provided they are fit enough to receive the drug [814].
Docetaxel is used at the standard dose of 75 mg/sqm combined with steroids as premedication. Continuous
oral corticosteroid therapy is not mandatory.
In subgroup analyses from GETUG-AFU 15 and CHAARTED the beneficial effect of the addition of
docetaxel to ADT is most evident in men with de novo metastatic high-volume disease [790, 791].
6.4.5 Treatment selection and patient selection

There are no head-to-head data comparing six cycles of docetaxel and the long-term use of abiraterone
acetate plus prednisone in newly diagnosed mHSPC. However, for a period, patients in STAMPEDE were
contemporaneously randomised to either the addition of abiraterone or docetaxel to standard of care. Data
from the two experimental arms has been extracted although this was not pre-specified in the protocol and
the data were therefore not powered for this comparison. The survival advantage for both drugs appeared

similar [817]. There was also no significant OS benefit for either drug found in a recent meta-analysis [818].
In the STOPCAP SR and meta-analysis, abiraterone acetate plus prednisone was found to have the highest
probability of being the most effective treatment [819]. Both modalities have different and agent-specific side-
effects and require strict monitoring of side-effects during treatment. Therefore, the choice will most likely be
driven by patient preference, the specific side-effects, availability and cost.
6.4.6 Deferred treatment for metastatic PCa (stage M1)

The only candidates with metastasised disease who may possibly be considered for deferred treatment are
asymptomatic patients with a strong wish to avoid treatment-related side-effects. However, since the median
survival is 42 months only, the time without treatment (before symptoms) is short in most cases. The risk of
developing symptoms, and even death from PCa, without receiving any benefit from hormone treatment has
been highlighted [568, 576]. Patients with deferred treatment for advanced PCa must be amenable to close
follow-up.
6.4.7 Treatment of the primary tumour in newly diagnosed metastatic disease

The first reported trial evaluating prostate RT in men with metastatic castration-sensitive disease was the
HORRAD trial. 432 patients were randomised to ADT alone or ADT plus EBRT to the prostate. Overall survival
was not significantly different (HR: 0.9 (0.7-1.14), Median time to PSA progression was significantly improved
in the RT arm (HR: 0.78 (0.63-0.97) [820]. The STAMPEDE trial evaluated 2,061 men with mCSPC who were
randomised to ADT alone vs. ADT pus radiotherapy to the prostate. This trial confirmed radiotherapy to the
primary tumour did not improve OS in unselected patients. However, following the results from CHAARTED
and prior to analysing the data, the original screening investigations were retrieved and patients categorised
as low- or high volume. In the low-volume subgroup (n = 819) (high-volume, n = 1,120) there was a significant
OS benefit by the addition of prostate RT. Therefore RT to the prostate in patients with low-volume metastatic
disease should be considered. Of note, only 18% of these patients had additional docetaxel, and no patients
had additional abiraterone acetate plus prednisone so no clear recommendation can be made about triple
combinations. In addition, it is not clear if these data can be extrapolated to RP as local treatment, awaiting
results of ongoing trials.
6.4.8 Metastasis-directed therapy

In patients relapsing after a local treatment, a metastases-targeting therapy has been proposed, with the aim to
delay systemic treatment. There is one randomised Phase II trial testing metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) vs.
surveillance in men with oligo-recurrent PCa. Oligo-recurrence was defined as < 3 lesions. The sample size was
small with 62 patients; about half of them had nodal disease only. Androgen deprivation therapy-free survival
was the primary end-point which was longer with MDT than with surveillance [821]. Currently there is no data to
suggest an improvement in OS. A SR highlighted that at this time this approach must, as yet, be considered as
experimental [776].

6.4.9 Guidelines for the first-line treatment of metastatic disease

Offer immediate systemic treatment to palliate symptoms and reduce the risk for potentially Strong
serious sequelae of advanced disease (spinal cord compression, pathological fractures,
ureteral obstruction) to M1 symptomatic patients.
Offer luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonists, especially to patients with Weak
an impending spinal cord compression or bladder outlet obstruction.
Offer surgery and/or local radiotherapy to any patient with M1 disease and evidence of Strong
impending complications such as spinal cord compression or pathological fracture.
Offer immediate systemic treatment to improve survival, defer progression to a symptomatic Strong
stage and prevent serious disease progression-related complications to M1 patients
asymptomatic from their tumour.
Discuss deferred castration with well-informed M1 patients asymptomatic from their tumour Weak
since it lowers the treatment side-effects, provided the patient is closely monitored.
Offer initial short-term administration of antiandrogens to M1 patients treated with a LHRH Weak
agonist to reduce the risk of the ‘flare-up’ phenomenon.
Do not offer anti-androgen monotherapy to patients with M1 disease. Strong
Offer castration combined with chemotherapy (docetaxel) to all patients whose first Strong
presentation is M1 disease and who are fit enough for docetaxel.
Offer castration combined with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone to all patients whose Strong
first presentation is M1 disease and who are fit enough for the regimen.
Offer castration combined with prostate radiotherapy to patients whose first presentation is Weak
M1 disease and who have low volume of disease by CHAARTED criteria.
Do not offer castration combined with any local treatment (radiotherapy/surgery) to patients Strong
with high volume M1 disease outside of clinical trials (except for symptom control).
Offer castration alone, with or without an anti-androgen, to patients unfit for, or unwilling Strong
to consider, castration combined with docetaxel or abiraterone acetate plus prednisone or
prostate radiotherapy.
Intermittent treatment
Only offer intermittent treatment to highly motivated asymptomatic M1 patients who have a Strong
major PSA response after the induction period.
6.5 Treatment: Castration-resistant PCa (CRPC)

6.5.1 Definition of Castration-resistant PCa
Castrate serum testosterone < 50 ng/dL or 1.7 nmol/L plus either;
a. Biochemical progression: Three consecutive rises in PSA one week apart resulting in two 50% increases
over the nadir, and a PSA > 2 ng/mL or,
b. Radiological progression: The appearance of new lesions: either two or more new bone lesions on
bone scan or a soft tissue lesion using RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours) [822].
Symptomatic progression alone must be questioned and subject to further investigation. It is not sufficient
to diagnose CRPC.
6.5.2 Non-metastatic castration-resistant PCa

Frequent PSA testing for men on treatment with ADT has resulted in earlier detection of biochemical
progression. Of these men approximately one-third will develop bone metastases detectable on bone scan
within two years [823].
In men with CRPC and no detectable clinical metastases using bone scan and CT-scan, baseline
PSA level, PSA velocity and PSA-DT have been associated with time to first bone metastasis, bone metastasis-
free and OS [823, 824]. These factors may be used when deciding which patients should be evaluated for
metastatic disease. A consensus statement by the PCa Radiographic Assessments for Detection of Advanced
Recurrence (RADAR) group [825] suggested a bone scan and a CT scan when the PSA reached 2 ng/mL and if
this was negative it should be repeated when the PSA reached 5 ng/mL, and again after every doubling of the
PSA based on PSA testing every three months for asymptomatic men. Symptomatic patients should undergo
relevant investigation regardless of PSA level. With more sensitive imaging techniques like PSMA PET CT or
wbMRI, more patient are expected to be diagnosed with early mCRPC.
Two large randomised controlled phase III trials, PROSPER [826] and SPARTAN [827], evaluated MFS as
the primary end-point in patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant PCa (M0 CRPC) treated with

enzalutamide (PROSPER) vs. placebo or apalutamide (SPARTAN) vs. placebo, respectively. The
M0 status was established by CT and bone scans. Only patients at high risk for the development of
metastasis with a short PSA-DT of ten months or less were included. Patient characteristics in both
trials revealed that about two thirds of participants had a PSA-DT of less than six months. Both trials
showed a significant MFS benefit (PROSPER: median MFS was 36.6 months in the enzalutamide
group vs. 14.7 months in the placebo group [HR for metastasis or death, 0.29; 95% CI: 0.24-
0.35, p < 0.001]; SPARTAN: median MFS was 40.5 months in the apalutamide group as compared
with 16.2 months in the placebo group [HR for metastasis or death, 0.28, 95% CI: 0.23-0.35,
p < 0.001]). Time to symptomatic progression was significantly prolonged with apalutamide vs. placebo
(HR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.32-0.63, p < 0.001). Overall survival data were still immature at the time of the first analysis
and the median was not yet reached in both arms. In view of the long-term treatment with these AR targeted
agents in asymptomatic patients, potential adverse events need to be taken into consideration and the patient
informed accordingly. Overall, severe toxicity was low in both trials.
6.5.3 Metastatic castration-resistant PCa

The remainder of this section focuses on the management of men with proven metastatic CRPC (mCRPC).
6.5.3.1 Conventional androgen deprivation in castration-resistant PCa

Eventually men with PCa will show evidence of disease progression despite castration. Two trials have
shown only a marginal survival benefit for patients remaining on LHRH analogues during second- and third-
line therapies [828, 829]. However, in the absence of prospective data, the modest potential benefits of a
continuing castration outweigh the minimal risk of treatment. In addition, all subsequent treatments have been
studied in men with ongoing androgen suppression and therefore it should be continued in these patients.
Table 6.5.1: R
andomised phase III controlled trials - first-line treatment of mCRPC
Author Intervention Comparison Selection criteria Main outcomes

DOCETAXEL
SWOG 99-16 docetaxel/EMP, mitoxantrone, OS: 17.52 vs. 15.6 mo.
Petrylak, DP, et al. every 3 weeks, every 3 weeks, (p = 0.02, HR: 0.80;
2004 [830] 60 mg/m2, EMP 12 mg/m2 95% CI: 0.67-0.97)
3 x 280 mg/day prednisone 5 mg PFS: 6.3 vs. 3.2 mo.
BID (p < 0.001)
TAX 327 2008 docetaxel, every mitoxantrone, OS: 19.2 for 3 weekly
[831, 832] 3 weeks, 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks, vs. 17.8 mo. 4-weekly
prednisone 5 mg 12 mg/m2, and 16.3 in the control
BID Prednisone 5 mg group.
Or docetaxel, BID (p = 0.004, HR: 0.79
weekly, 30 mg/m2 95% CI: 0.67-0.93)
prednisone 5 mg
BID
ABIRATERONE
COU-AA-302 abiraterone + placebo + - No previous docetaxel. OS: 34.7 vs. 30.3 mo.
Ryan CJ, et al. prednisone prednisone - ECOG 0-1. (HR: 0.81, p = 0.0033).
2013 [833-835] - PSA or radiographic FU: 49.2 mo. rPFS:
progression. 16.5 vs. 8.3 mo.
- No or mild symptoms. (p < 0.0001)
- No visceral metastases.
ENZALUTAMIDE
PREVAIL Beer enzalutamide placebo - No previous docetaxel. OS: 32.4 vs. 30.2 mo.
TM, et al. - ECOG 0-1. (p < 0.001). FU: 22 mo.
2014 [836] - PSA or radiographic (p < 0.001 HR: 0.71,
progression. 95% CI: 0.60-0.84)
- No or mild symptoms. rPFS: 20.0 mo. vs.
- 10% had visceral mets. 5.4 mo. HR: 0.186
(95% CI: 0.15-0.23)
p < 0.0001)

SIPULEUCEL-T sipuleucel-T [838] placebo [838] - Some with previous OS: 25.8 vs. 21.7 mo.
Kantoff PW, et al. docetaxel. (p = 0.03 HR: 0.78,
2010 [837] - ECOG 0-1. 95% CI: 0.61-0.98).
- Asymptomatic or FU: 34.1 mo. PFS:
minimally symptomatic. 3.7 vs. 3.6 mo. (no
difference)
Small EJ, et al. sipuleucel-T [839] placebo [839] - ECOG 0-1. OS: 25.9 vs. 21.4 mo.
2006 [839] - No visceral metastases. (p = 0.1). FU: 36 mo.
- No PFS: 11.7 vs. 10.0 wk.
- No corticosteroids.
BID = twice a day; CI = confidence interval; ECOG = Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group;
EMP = estramustine; FU = follow-up; HR = hazard ratio; mo = month; PFS = progression-free survival;
rPFS = radiographic progression-free survival; OS = overall survival.
6.5.4 First-line treatment of metastatic castration-resistant PCa

In general, anti-tumour monotherapies should not be used for CRPC outside clinical trials. Any combinations
should be avoided both for first line and beyond until evidence proves them to be safe and more effective than
sequential monotherapies (see also chapter 6.5.5.4).
6.5.4.1 Abiraterone
Abiraterone was evaluated in 1,088 chemo-naïve, asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic mCRPC patients in the
phase III trial COU-AA-302. Patients were randomised to abiraterone acetate or placebo, both combined with
prednisone [833]. Patients with visceral metastases were excluded. The main stratification factors were Eastern
Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) PS 0 or 1 and asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic disease. Overall
survival and radiographic PFS (rPFS) were the co-primary end-points. After a median follow-up of 22.2 months,
there was significant improvement of rPFS (median 16.5 vs. 8.2 months, HR: 0.52, p < 0.001) and the trial was
unblinded. At the final analysis with a median follow-up of 49.2 months, the OS end-point was significantly
positive (34.7 vs. 30.3 months, HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70-0.93, p = 0.0033) [835]. Adverse events (AEs) related
to mineralocorticoid excess and liver function abnormalities were more frequent with abiraterone, but mostly
grade 1-2. Sub-set analysis of this trial showed the drug to be equally effective in an elderly population (> 75
years) [840].
6.5.4.2 Enzalutamide
A randomised phase III trial (PREVAIL) [836] included a similar patient population and compared enzalutamide
and placebo. Men with visceral metastases were eligible but the numbers included were small. Corticosteroids
were allowed but not mandatory. PREVAIL was conducted in a chemo-naïve mCRPC population of 1,717
men and showed a significant improvement in both co-primary end-points, rPFS (HR: 0.186; CI: 0.15-0.23,
p < 0.0001), and OS (HR: 0.706; CI: 0.6-0.84, p < 0.001). A > 50% decrease in PSA was seen in 78% of
patients. The most common clinically relevant AEs were fatigue and hypertension. Enzalutamide was equally
effective and well tolerated in men > 75 years [841] as well as in those with or without visceral metastases
[842]. However, for men with liver metastases, there seems to be no discernible benefit [842, 843].
Enzalutamide has also been compared with 50 mg per day bicalutamide in a randomised double
blind phase II study (TERRAIN) [844] revealing a significant improvement in PFS (15.7 months vs. 5.8 months,
HR: 0.44, p < 0.0001) in favour of enzalutamide. With extended follow-up and final analysis the benefit in OS
and rPFS were confirmed [845].
6.5.4.3 Docetaxel
A significant improvement in median survival of 2-2.9 months occurred with docetaxel-based chemotherapy
compared to mitoxantrone plus prednisone therapy [832, 846]. The standard first-line chemotherapy is
docetaxel 75 mg/m2 three-weekly doses combined with prednisone 5 mg twice a day (BID), up to ten cycles.
Prednisone can be omitted if there are contraindications or no major symptoms. The following independent
prognostic factors: visceral metastases, pain, anaemia (Hb < 13 g/dL), bone scan progression, and prior
estramustine may help to stratify response to docetaxel. Patients can be categorised into three risk groups: low
risk (0 or 1 factor), intermediate (2 factors) and high risk (3 or 4 factors), and show three significantly different
median OS estimates of 25.7, 18.7 and 12.8 months, respectively [847].
Age by itself is not a contraindication to docetaxel [848], but attention must be paid to careful
monitoring and comorbidities as discussed in Section 5.4 [849]. In men with mCRPC who are thought to be
unable to tolerate the standard dose and schedule, docetaxel 50 mg/m2 every two weeks seems to be well
tolerated with less grade 3-4 AEs and a prolonged time to treatment failure [850].

6.5.4.4 Sipuleucel-T
In 2010, a phase III trial of sipuleucel-T showed a survival benefit in 512 asymptomatic or minimally
symptomatic mCRPC patients [824]. After a median follow-up of 34 months, the median survival was 25.8
months in the sipuleucel-T group compared to 21.7 months in the placebo group, with a HR of 0.78 (p = 0.03).
No PSA decline was observed and PFS was similar in both arms. The overall tolerance was very good, with
more cytokine-related AEs grade 1-2 in the sipuleucel-T group, but the same grade 3-4 AEs in both arms.
Sipuleucel-T is not available in Europe (and had its licence withdrawn).
Table 6.5.2: Randomised controlled phase III - second-line trials in mCRPC
Author Intervention Comparison Selection criteria Main outcomes

ABIRATERONE
Fizazi, et al. abiraterone + placebo + Previous docetaxel. OS: 15.8 vs. 11.2 mo
2012 [851] prednisone HR prednisone ECOG 0-2. PSA (p < 0.0001). FU: 20.2 mo.
or radiographic Radiologic PFS: no change
progression.
de Bono, et al. OS: 14.8 vs. 10.9 mo.
2011 [852] (p < 0.001 HR: 0.65; 95%
CI: 0.54-0.77). FU: 12.8 mo.
Radiologic PFS: 5.6 vs. 3.6 mo.
Radium-223
Parker, et al. radium-223 placebo Previous or no OS: 14.9 vs. 11.3 mo.
2013 [853] previous docetaxel. (p = 0.002, HR: 0.61; 95%
ECOG 0-2. Two or CI: 0.46-0.81).
more symptomatic All secondary end-points show a
bone metastases. No benefit over best standard of care.
visceral metastases.
CABAZITAXEL
Bahl, et al. cabazitaxel + mitoxantrone Previous docetaxel. OS: 318/378 vs. 346/377 events
2013 [854] prednisone + prednisone ECOG 0-2. (odds ratio 2.11; 95% CI: 1.33-
3.33). FU: 25.5 months OS > 2y
27% vs. 16% PFS: -
deBono, et al. OS: 15.1 vs. 12.7 mo.
2010 [855] (p < 0.0001, HR: 0.70; 95%
CI: 0.59-0.83). FU: 12.8 mo.
PFS: 2.8 vs. 1.4 mo.
(p < 0.0001, HR: 0.74; 95%
CI: 0.64-0.86)
ENZALUTAMIDE
Scher, et al. enzalutamide placebo Previous docetaxel. OS: 18.4 vs. 13.6 mo.
2012 [856] ECOG 0-2. (p < 0.001 HR: 0.63; 95%
CI: 0.53-0.75). FU: 14.4 mo.
Radiologic PFS: 8.3 vs. 2.9 mo.
(HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.35-0.47
p < 0.0001)
*Only studies reporting survival outcomes as primary end-points have been included.
CI = confidence interval; ECOG = Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; FU = follow-up; HR = hazard ratio;
mo = months OS = overall survival; PFS = progression-free survival.
6.5.5 Second-line treatment for mCRPC

All patients who receive treatment for mCRPC will eventually progress. All treatment options in this setting are
presented in Table 6.5.2. High level evidence exists only for second-line treatments after first-line treatment
with docetaxel.
6.5.5.1 Cabazitaxel
Cabazitaxel is a novel taxane with activity in docetaxel-resistant cancers. It was studied in a large prospective,
randomised, phase III trial (TROPIC trial) comparing cabazitaxel plus prednisone vs. mitoxantrone plus
prednisone in 755 patients with mCRPC, who had progressed after or during docetaxel-based chemotherapy
[855]. Patients received a maximum of ten cycles of cabazitaxel (25 mg/m2) or mitoxantrone (12 mg/m2) plus

prednisone (10 mg/day), respectively. Overall survival was the primary end-point, which was significantly
longer with cabazitaxel (median: 15.1 vs. 12.7 months p < 0.0001). There was also a significant improvement
in PFS (median: 2.8 vs. 1.4 months, p < 0.0001), objective RECIST response (14.4% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.005),
and PSA response rate (39.2% vs. 17.8%, p < 0.0002). Treatment-associated WHO grade 3-4 AEs developed
significantly more often in the cabazitaxel arm, particularly haematological (68.2% vs. 47.3%, p < 0.0002) but
also non-haematological (57.4 vs. 39.8%, p < 0.0002) toxicity [857]. In two post-marketing randomised phase
III trials, cabazitaxel was shown not to be superior to docetaxel in the first-line setting; in the second-line
setting in terms of OS, 20 mg/m² cabazitaxel was not inferior to 25 mg/m², but less toxic. Therefore, the lower
dose should be preferred [858, 859]. Cabazitaxel should preferably be given with prophylactic granulocyte
colony-stimulating factor and should be administered by physicians with expertise in handling neutropenia and
sepsis [860].
6.5.5.2 Abiraterone acetate after prior docetaxel

Positive results of the large phase III COU-AA-301 trial were reported after a median follow-up of 12.8 months
[852] and confirmed by the final analysis [851]. A total of 1,195 patients with mCRPC were randomised 2:1
to abiraterone acetate plus prednisone or placebo plus prednisone. All patients had progressive disease
based on the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Working Group 2 (PCWG2) criteria after docetaxel therapy (with
a maximum of two previous chemotherapeutic regimens). The primary end-point was OS, with a planned HR
of 0.8 in favour of abiraterone. After a median follow-up of 20.2 months, the median survival in the abiraterone
group was 15.8 months compared to 11.2 months in the placebo arm (HR: 0.74, p < 0.0001). The benefit was
observed in all subgroups and all the secondary objectives were in favour of abiraterone (PSA, radiologic
tissue response, time to PSA or objective progression). The incidence of the most common grade 3-4 AEs
did not differ significantly between arms, but mineralocorticoid-related side-effects were more frequent in the
abiraterone group, mainly grade 1-2 (fluid retention, oedema and hypokalaemia).
6.5.5.3 Enzalutamide after docetaxel

The planned interim analysis of the AFFIRM study was published in 2012 [856]. This trial randomised 1,199
patients with mCRPC in a 2:1 fashion to enzalutamide or placebo. The patients had progressed after docetaxel
treatment, according to the PCWG2 criteria. Corticosteroids were not mandatory, but could be prescribed,
and were received by about 30% of the patients. The primary end-point was OS, with an expected HR
benefit of 0.76 in favour of enzalutamide. After a median follow-up of 14.4 months, the median survival in the
enzalutamide group was 18.4 months compared to 13.6 months in the placebo arm (HR: 0.63, p < 0.001).
This led to the recommendation to halt and unblind the study. The benefit was observed irrespective of age,
baseline pain intensity, and type of progression. In the final analysis with longer follow-up the OS results were
confirmed despite crossover and extensive post progression therapies [845]. Enzalutamide was active also in
patients with visceral metastases.
All the secondary objectives were in favour of enzalutamide (PSA, soft tissue response, QoL, time
to PSA or objective progression). No difference in terms of side-effects was observed in the two groups, with
a lower incidence of grade 3-4 AEs in the enzalutamide arm. There was a 0.6% incidence of seizures in the
enzalutamide group compared to none in the placebo arm.
6.5.5.4 Radium-223
The only bone-specific drug that is associated with a survival benefit is the α-emitter radium-223. In a large
phase III trial (ALSYMPCA), 921 patients with symptomatic mCRPC, who failed or were unfit for docetaxel,
were randomised to six injections of 50 kBq/kg radium-223 or placebo, plus standard of care. The primary
end-point was OS. Radium-223 significantly improved median OS by 3.6 months (HR: 0.70, p < 0.001) [853]. It
was also associated with prolonged time to first skeletal event, improvement in pain scores and improvement
in QoL. The associated toxicity was mild and, apart from slightly more haematologic toxicity and diarrhoea
with radium-223, it did not differ significantly from that in the placebo arm [853]. Radium-223 was effective
and safe no matter if the patients were docetaxel pre-treated, or not [861]. Due to safety concerns, the label
of radium-223 was recently restricted to the use after docetaxel and at least one androgen receptor targeted
agent [862]. The early use of radium-223 plus abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone showed significant safety
risks in particular fractures and more deaths. This was particularly striking in patients without the concurrent
use of antiresorptive agents [863].
6.5.6 Treatment after docetaxel and one line of hormonal treatment for mCRPC
The choice of further treatment after docetaxel and one line of hormonal treatment for mCRPC is open [864].
Either radium-223 or second-line chemotherapy (cabazitaxel) are reasonable options. In general, subsequent
treatments in unselected patients are expected to have less benefit than with earlier use [865, 866] and there is
evidence of cross-resistance between enzalutamide and abiraterone [867, 868]. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase

(PARP) inhibitors have shown high rates of response in men with somatic homologous recombination
deficiency (HRD) in initial studies. Men previously treated with both docetaxel and at least one novel hormonal
agent and whose tumours demonstrated homozygous deletions or deleterious mutations in DNA-repair
genes showed an 88% response rate [869]. Patients without HRD did not show a clear benefit from olaparib.
Interestingly in a randomised phase II trial which assigned 142 patients to receive olaparib and abiraterone
(n = 71) or placebo and abiraterone (n = 71) patients received clinical benefit regardless of HRD status.
Combination treatment is toxic with serious side effects reported in 34% of the olaparib/abiraterone group vs.
18% in the placebo/abiraterone group [870]. Nevertheless, although not yet available, PARP inhibitors offer
an exciting new opportunity to tailor therapy based on the mutation profile contained within a tumour [871].
For patients with mismatch repair deficiency, the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab was approved by the FDA
irrespective of the tumour origin, this also includes PCa.
6.5.7 Monitoring of treatment

Baseline examinations should include history and clinical examination as well as baseline bloods (PSA, FBC,
renal function, LFTs, ALP), bone scan and CT of chest abdomen and pelvis [872]. The use of Choline or PSMA
PET CT scans for progressing CRPC is unclear and most likely not as beneficial as for patients with BCR or
hormone naïve disease. Flares, PSMA upregulation and discordant results compared with PSA response or
progression on androgen receptor targeting therapies have been described [873]. Prostate-specific antigen
alone is not reliable enough [874] for monitoring disease activity in advanced CRPC, since visceral metastases
may develop in men without rising PSA [875]. Instead, the PCWG2 recommends a combination of bone
scintigraphy and CT scans, PSA measurements and clinical benefit in assessing men with CRPC [846]. A
majority of experts at a recent consensus meeting suggested regular review and repeat blood profile every
two to three months with bone scintigraphy and CT scans at least every six months, even in the absence
of a clinical indication [872]. This reflects that the agents with a proven OS survival benefit all have potential
toxicity and considerable cost, and patients with no objective benefit should have treatment modified. The
Panel stress that such treatments should not be stopped for PSA progression alone. Instead, at least two of
the three criteria (PSA progression, radiographic progression and clinical deterioration) should be fulfilled to
stop treatment. For trial purposes, the updated PCWG3 put more weight on the importance of documenting
progression in existing lesions and introduced the concept of “no longer clinically benefiting” to underscore the
distinction between first evidence of progression and the clinical need to terminate or change treatment [876].
These recommendations also seem valid for clinical practice outside trials.
6.5.8 When to change treatment

The timing of mCRPC treatment change remains a matter of debate in mCRPC although it is clearly advisable
to start or change treatment immediately in men with symptomatic progressing metastatic disease. Although,
the number of effective treatments is increasing, head-to-head comparisons are still lacking, as are data
assessing the sequencing of available agents. Therefore it is not clear how to choose the appropriate “second-
line” treatment. In the absence of other data, the inclusion criteria from licensing trials have been used to
prioritise treatment sequencing.
The ECOG PS has been used to stratify patients. Generally men with a PS of 0-1 are likely to
tolerate treatments and those with PS of 2 or more are less likely to benefit. However, it is important that
treatment decisions are individualised. This applies particularly where symptoms related to disease progression
are determining PS. In such cases it may be appropriate to trial active life-prolonging agents to establish if
treatment would improve PS. Sequencing is discussed in a summery paper published following the St. Gallen
Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2017 [872, 877].
6.5.9 Symptomatic management in metastatic castration-resistant PCa

Castration-resistant PCa is usually a debilitating disease, often affecting the elderly male. A multidisciplinary
approach is required with input from urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses,
psychologists and social workers [878]. Critical issues of palliation must be addressed when considering
additional systemic treatment, including management of pain, constipation, anorexia, nausea, fatigue and
depression.
6.5.9.1 Common complications due to bone metastases

Most patients with CRPC have painful bone metastases. External beam radiotherapy is highly effective [879],
even as a single fraction [880]. A single infusion of a third generation bisphosphonate could be considered
when RT is not available [881]. Common complications due to bone metastases include vertebral collapse
or deformity, pathological fractures and spinal cord compression. Cementation can be an effective treatment
for painful spinal fracture, whatever its origin, clearly improving both pain and QoL [882]. However, it is still
important to offer standard palliative surgery, which can be effective for managing osteoblastic metastases

[883, 884]. Impending spinal cord compression is an emergency. It must be recognised early and patients
should be educated to recognise the warning signs. Once suspected, high-dose corticosteroids must be given
and MRI performed as soon as possible. A systematic neurosurgery or orthopaedic surgeon consultation
should be planned to discuss a possible decompression, followed by EBRT [885]. Otherwise, EBRT with, or
without, systemic therapy, is the treatment of choice.
6.5.10 Preventing skeletal-related events

6.5.10.1 Bisphosphonates
Zoledronic acid has been evaluated in mCRPC to reduce skeletal-related events (SRE). This study was
conducted when no active anticancer treatments but docetaxel were available. Six hundred and forty three
patients who had CRPC [886] with bone metastases were randomised to receive zoledronic acid, 4 or
8 mg every three weeks for fifteen consecutive months, or placebo. The 8 mg dose was poorly tolerated
and reduced to 4 mg but did not show a significant benefit. However, at fifteen and 24 months of follow-up,
patients treated with 4 mg zoledronic acid had fewer SREs compared to the placebo group (44 vs. 33%,
p = 0.021) and in particular fewer pathological fractures (13.1 vs. 22.1%, p = 0.015). Furthermore, the time to
first SRE was longer in the zoledronic acid group. No survival benefit has been seen in any prospective trial
with bisphosphonates.
6.5.10.2 RANK ligand inhibitors

Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody directed against RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor
kappa-B ligand), a key mediator of osteoclast formation, function, and survival. In M0 CRPC, denosumab
has been associated with increased bone-metastasis-free survival compared to placebo (median benefit:
4.2 months, HR: 0.85, p = 0.028) [885]. This benefit did not translate into a survival difference (43.9 compared
to 44.8 months, respectively) and neither the FDA or the EMA have approved denosumab for this indication
[887].
The efficacy and safety of denosumab (n = 950) compared with zoledronic acid (n = 951) in patients
with metastatic CRPC was assessed in a phase III trial. Denosumab was superior to zoledronic acid in delaying
or preventing SREs, as shown by time to first on-study SRE (pathological fracture, radiation or surgery to
bone, or spinal cord compression) of 20.7 vs. 17.1 months, respectively (HR: 0.82, p = 0.008). Both urinary
N-telopeptide and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase were significantly suppressed in the denosumab arm
compared with the zoledronic acid arm (p < 0.0001 for both). However, these findings were not associated with
any survival benefit and in a recent post-hoc re-evaluation of end-points, denosumab showed identical results
when comparing SREs and symptomatic skeletal events [888].
The potential toxicity (e.g., osteonecrosis of the jaw) of these drugs must always be kept in mind (5-8.2% in
M0 CRPC and mCRPC, respectively) [879, 885, 888, 889]. Patients should have a dental examination before
starting therapy as the risk of jaw necrosis is increased by several risk factors including a history of trauma,
dental surgery or dental infection [890]. Also, the risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw increased numerically
with the duration of use [891] in the pivotal trial (one year vs. two years with denosumab), but this was not
statistically significant when compared to zoledronic acid [887].
6.5.11 Summary of evidence and guidelines for life-prolonging treatments of castrate-resistant

disease
First-line treatment for mCRPC will be influenced by which treatments were used when metastatic 4
cancer was first discovered.
No clear-cut recommendation can be made for the most effective drug for first-line CRPC treatment 3
(i.e. hormone therapy, chemotherapy or radium-223) as no validated predictive factors exist.

Ensure that testosterone levels are confirmed to be < 50 ng/dL, before diagnosing Strong
castration-resistant PCa (CRPC).
Counsel, manage and treat patients with metastatic CRPC in a multidisciplinary team. Strong
Treat patients with mCRPC with life-prolonging agents. Strong
Base the choice of first-line treatment on the performance status, symptoms, comorbidities,
location and extent of disease, patient preference, and on the previous treatment for
hormone-sensitive metastatic PCa (HSPC) (alphabetical order: abiraterone, docetaxel,
enzalutamide, radium-223, sipuleucel-T).

6.5.12 Guidelines for cytotoxic treatment of castrate-resistant disease

Counsel, manage and treat patients with mCRPC in a multidisciplinary team. Strong
Offer patients with mCRPC who are candidates for cytotoxic therapy docetaxel with Strong
75 mg/m2 every three weeks.
Offer patients with mCRPC and progression following docetaxel chemotherapy further life- Strong
prolonging treatment options, which include abiraterone, cabazitaxel, enzalutamide and
radium-223.
Base second-line treatment decisions of mCRPC on pre-treatment performance status, Strong
symptoms, patient preference, comorbidities and extent of disease.
6.5.13 Guidelines for supportive care of castrate-resistant disease

These recommendations are in addition to appropriate systemic therapy.

Offer bone protective agents to patients with mCRPC and skeletal metastases to prevent Strong
osseous complications.
Offer calcium and vitamin D supplementation when prescribing either denosumab or Strong
bisphosphonates.
Treat painful bone metastases early on with palliative measures such as external beam Strong
radiotherapy, and adequate use of analgesics.
In patients with spinal cord compression start immediate high-dose corticosteroids and Strong
assess for spinal surgery followed by irradiation. Offer radiation therapy alone if surgery is
not appropriate.
6.5.14 Guidelines for non-metastatic castrate-resistant disease

Offer apalutamide or enzalutamide to patients with M0 CRPC and a high risk of developing Strong
metastasis (PSA-DT < 10 months) to prolong time to metastases.
6.6 Summary of guidelines for the treatment of prostate cancer
Table 6.6.1: EAU risk groups for biochemical recurrence of localised and locally advanced prostate cancer
Definition
Low-risk Intermediate-risk High-risk
PSA < 10 ng/mL PSA 10-20 ng/mL PSA > 20 ng/mL any PSA
and GS < 7 (ISUP grade 1) or GS 7 (ISUP grade 2/3) or GS > 7 (ISUP grade 4/5) any GS (any ISUP grade)
and cT1-2a or cT2b or cT2c cT3-4 or cN+
Localised Locally advanced
GS = Gleason score; ISUP = International Society for Urological Pathology; PSA = prostate-specific antigen.

6.6.1 General guidelines recommendations for active treatment

Inform patients that no active treatment modality has shown superiority over any other Strong
active management options in terms of survival.
Inform patients that all active treatments have side-effects. Strong
Surgical treatment
Inform patients that no surgical approach (open, laparoscopic- or robotic radical Strong
prostatectomy) has clearly shown superiority in terms of functional or oncological results.
Perform an extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND), when a LND is deemed Strong
necessary.
Do not perform nerve-sparing surgery when there is a risk of extracapsular extension (based Strong
on cT stage, ISUP, nomogram, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging).
Do not offer neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy before surgery. Strong
Offer intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or volumetric arc external-beam Strong
radiotherapy (VMAT) for definitive treatment of PCa by external-beam radiation therapy.
Only offer moderate hypofractionation (HFX) with IMRT/VMAT, including image-guided Strong
radiation therapy (IGRT) to the prostate, to carefully selected patients with localised disease.
Ensure that moderate HFX adheres to radiotherapy protocols from trials with equivalent Strong
outcome and toxicity, i.e. 60 Gy/20 fractions in four weeks or 70 Gy/28 fractions in six weeks.
Active therapeutic options outside surgery and radiotherapy
Only offer cryotherapy and high-intensity focused ultrasound within a clinical trial setting. Strong
Only offer focal therapy within a clinical trial setting. Strong
6.6.2 Guidelines recommendations for the various disease stages

Low-risk disease
Watchful Offer a WW policy to asymptomatic patients with a life expectancy Strong
waiting (WW) < 10 years (based on comorbidities).
Active Offer AS to patients suitable for curative treatment but with low-risk Strong
surveillance (AS) PCa.
Perform multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) before Strong
a confirmatory biopsy.
During confirmatory biopsy include systematic and targeted biopsies. Strong
Base follow up on digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen Strong
(PSA) and repeat biopsies.
Counsel patients about the possibility of needing further treatment in Strong
the future.
Active treatment Offer surgery and radiotherapy (RT) as alternatives to AS to patients Weak
suitable for such treatments and who accept a trade-off between
toxicity and prevention of disease progression.
Pelvic lymph node Do not perform a PLND (estimated risk for pN+ < 5%). Strong
dissection (PLND)
Radiotherapeutic Offer low-dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy to patients with low-risk Strong
treatment PCa, without a previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
and with a good International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and a
prostate volume < 50 mL.
Use intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with a total dose of Strong
74-80 Gy or moderate hypofractionation (60 Gy/20 fx in four weeks,
or 70 Gy/28 fx in six weeks), without androgen deprivation therapy
(ADT).
Other options Only offer whole gland treatment (such as cryotherapy, high-intensity Strong
focused ultrasound [HIFU], etc.) or focal treatment within a clinical
trial setting.

Intermediate-risk disease
Active Offer AS to highly selected patients (< 10% Gleason pattern 4) Weak
surveillance accepting the potential increased risk of further metastases.
Radical Offer RP to patients with intermediate-risk disease and a life Strong
prostatectomy expectancy > 10 years.
(RP) Offer nerve-sparing surgery to patients with a low risk of Strong
extracapsular disease.
Extended pelvic Perform an ePLND in intermediate-risk disease if the estimated risk Strong
lymph node for positive lymph nodes exceeds 5%.
dissection
(ePLND)
Radiotherapeutic Offer LDR brachytherapy to selected patients; patients without a Strong
treatment previous TURP and with a good IPSS and a prostate volume < 50 mL.
For external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT), use a total dose of 76-78 Strong
Gy or moderate hypofractionation (60 Gy/20 fx in four weeks or 70
Gy/28 fx in six week), in combination with short-term neoadjuvant
plus concomitant ADT (four to six months).
In patients not willing to undergo ADT, use an escalated dose of Weak
EBRT (76-80 Gy) or a combination with brachytherapy.
Other therapeutic Only offer whole gland treatment (such as cryotherapy, HIFU, etc.) or Strong
options focal treatment within a clinical trial setting.
Do not offer ADT monotherapy to intermediate-risk asymptomatic Strong
men not able to receive any local treatment.
High-risk localised disease
Radical Offer RP to patients with high-risk localised PCa and a life Strong
prostatectomy expectancy of > ten years only as part of multi-modal therapy.
Extended pelvic Perform an ePLND in high-risk disease. Strong
lymph node Do not perform a frozen section of nodes during RP to decide Strong
dissection whether to proceed with, or abandon, the procedure.
Radiotherapeutic In patients with high-risk localised disease, use ERBT with 76-78 Gy Strong
treatments in combination with long-term ADT (two to three years).
In patients with high-risk localised disease, use EBRT with Weak
brachytherapy boost (either HDR or LDR), in combination with long-
term ADT (two to three years).
Therapeutic Do not offer either whole gland or focal therapy to high-risk patients. Strong
options outside Do not use ADT monotherapy in asymptomatic patients. Strong
surgery and
radiotherapy
Locally-advanced disease
Radical Offer RP to highly selected patients with (cT3b-T4 N0 or any T N1) Strong
prostatectomy only as part of multi-modal therapy.
Extended pelvic Perform an ePLND in high-risk PCa. Strong
lymph node Do not perform a frozen section of nodes during RP to decide Strong
dissection whether to proceed with, or abandon, the procedure.
Radiotherapeutic In patients with locally advanced cN0 disease, offer RT in Strong
treatments combination with long-term ADT.
Offer long-term ADT for two to three years. Weak
Therapeutic Do not offer whole gland treatment or focal treatment to high-risk Strong
options outside patients.
surgery and Only offer ADT monotherapy to those patients unwilling or unable to Strong
radiotherapy receive any form of local treatment and who are either symptomatic
or asymptomatic, but with a PSA-doubling time (DT) < twelve months
or a PSA > 50 ng/mL, or a poorly differentiated tumour.

Adjuvant treatment after radical prostatectomy
Only discuss adjuvant treatment in men with a post-operative PSA Strong
< 0.1 ng/mL.
Do not prescribe adjuvant ADT in pN0 patients. Strong
Offer adjuvant EBRT to the surgical field to patients at increased risk Strong
of local relapse: pT3 pN0 with positive margins (highest impact), and/
or invasion of the seminal vesicles.
Discuss three management options with patients with pN+ disease Weak
after an ePLND, based on nodal involvement characteristics:
1. Offer adjuvant ADT for node-positive (pN+).
2. Offer adjuvant ADT with additional RT.
3. Offer observation (expectant management) to a patient after
eLND and < 2 nodes with microscopic involvement, and a PSA
< 0.1 ng/mL and absence of extranodal extension.
Non-curative or palliative treatments in a first-line setting
Localised disease
Watchful Offer WW to asymptomatic patients not eligible for local curative Strong
waiting treatment and those with a short life expectancy.
While on WW, base the decision to start non-curative treatment on Strong
symptoms and disease progression.
Locally-advanced disease
Watchful waiting Offer a deferred treatment policy using ADT monotherapy to M0 Strong
asymptomatic patients with a PSA-DT > twelve months, a PSA
< 50 ng/mL and well differentiated tumour, who are unwilling or
unable to receive any form of local treatment.
Persistent PSA after radical prostatectomy
Offer a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron- Weak
emission tomography (PET) scan to men with a persistent PSA
> 0.2 ng/mL to exclude metastatic disease.
Treat men with no evidence of metastatic disease with salvage RT Weak
with additional hormonal therapy.
6.6.3 Guidelines for metastatic disease, second-line and palliative treatments

Metastatic disease in a first-line setting
Symptomatic M1 Offer immediate systemic treatment to palliate symptoms and reduce Strong
patients the risk for potentially serious sequelae of advanced disease (spinal
cord compression, pathological fractures, ureteral obstruction) to M1
symptomatic patients.
Asymptomatic Offer immediate systemic treatment to improve survival, defer Strong
M1 patients progression to a symptomatic stage and prevent serious disease
progression-related complications to M1 patients asymptomatic from
their tumour.
In well-informed M1 patients, asymptomatic from their tumour, Weak
discuss deferred castration since it lowers the treatment side effects,
provided the patient is closely monitored.

All M1 patients Offer luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonists, Weak
especially to patients with an impending spinal cord compression or
bladder outlet obstruction.
Offer surgery and/or local RT to any patient with M1 disease Strong
and evidence of impending complications such as spinal cord
compression or pathological fracture.
Offer initial short-term administration of antiandrogens to M1 patients Weak
treated with a LHRH agonist to reduce the risk of the ‘flare-up’
phenomenon.
Do not offer anti-androgen monotherapy for M1 disease. Strong
Offer castration combined with chemotherapy (docetaxel) to all Strong
patients whose first presentation is M1 disease and who are fit
enough for docetaxel.
Offer castration combined with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone Strong
to all patients whose first presentation is M1 disease and who are fit
enough for the regimen.
Offer castration combined with prostate RT to patients whose first Weak
presentation is M1 disease and who have low volume of disease by
CHAARTED criteria.
Do not offer castration combined with any local treatment (RT/ Strong
surgery) to patients with high volume M1 disease outside of clinical
trials (except for symptom control).
Offer castration alone, with or without an anti-androgen, to patients Strong
unfit for, or unwilling to consider, castration combined with docetaxel
or abiraterone acetate plus prednisone or prostate RT.
M1 patients Only offer intermittent treatment to highly motivated asymptomatic Strong
receiving M1 patients who have a major PSA response after the induction
Intermittent period.
treatment
Biochemical recurrence after treatment with curative intent
Biochemical Offer AS and possibly delayed salvage RT (SRT) to patients with Strong
recurrence biochemical recurrence and classified as EAU low-risk group at
after radical relapse who may not benefit from intervention.
prostatectomy Treat patients with a PSA rise from the undetectable range with SRT. Strong
(RP) Once the decision for SRT has been made, SRT (at least 66 Gy)
should be given as soon as possible.
Offer pN0 patients undergoing SRT hormonal therapy (with Weak
bicalutamide 150 mg for two years, or LHRH agonists for up to two
years).
Biochemical Treat highly selected patients with localised PCa and a histologically Weak
recurrence after proven local recurrence with SRP.
RT Salvage RP should only be performed in experienced centres. Strong
Do not offer HIFU, cryosurgical ablation and salvage brachytherapy to Strong
patients with proven local recurrence since it is still experimental.
Systemic salvage Do not offer ADT to M0 patients with a PSA-DT > twelve months. Strong
treatment
Life-prolonging treatments of castration-resistant disease
Ensure that testosterone levels are confirmed to be < 50 ng/dL, before diagnosing Strong
castration-resistant PCa (CRPC).
Counsel, manage and treat patients with metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) in a multidisciplinary Strong
team.
Treat patients with mCRPC with life-prolonging agents. Strong
Base the choice of first-line treatment on the performance status (PS), symptoms,
comorbidities, location and extent of disease, patient preference, and on the previous
treatment for hormone-sensitive PCa (alphabetical order: abiraterone, docetaxel,
enzalutamide, radium-223, sipuleucel-T).

Cytotoxic treatments of castration-resistant disease
Counsel, manage and treat patients with mCRPC in a multidisciplinary team. Strong
Offer patients with mCRPC who are candidates for cytotoxic therapy docetaxel with Strong
75 mg/m2 every three weeks.
Offer patients with mCRPC and progression following docetaxel chemotherapy further life- Strong
prolonging treatment options, which include abiraterone, cabazitaxel, enzalutamide and
radium-223.
Base second-line treatment decisions of mCRPC on pre-treatment PS, symptoms, patient Strong
preference, comorbidities and extent of disease.
Supportive care of castration-resistant disease
Offer bone protective agents to patients with mCRPC and skeletal metastases to prevent Strong
osseous complications.
Offer calcium and vitamin D supplementation when prescribing either denosumab or Strong
bisphosphonates.
Treat painful bone metastases early on with palliative measures such as EBRT, and Strong
adequate use of analgesics.
In patients with spinal cord compression start immediate high-dose corticosteroids and Strong
assess for spinal surgery followed by irradiation. Offer radiation therapy alone if surgery is
not appropriate.
Non-metastatic castrate-resistant disease
Offer apalutamide or enzalutamide to patients with M0 CRPC and a high risk of developing Strong
metastasis (PSA-DT < 10 months) to prolong time to metastases.
7. FOLLOW-UP
The rationale for following up patients is to assess immediate- and long-term oncological results, ensure
treatment compliance and allow initiation of further therapy, when appropriate. In addition follow-up allows
monitoring of side-effects or complications of therapy, functional outcomes and an opportunity to provide
psychological support to PCa survivors, all of which is covered in Chapter 8.
7.1 Follow-up: After local treatment

7.1.1 Definition
Local treatment is defined as RP or RT, either by EBRT or LDR- or HDR-brachytherapy, or any combination of
these. Unestablished alternative treatments such as HIFU, cryosurgery and focal therapy options do not have a
well-defined, validated PSA cut-off to define BCR, but follow the general principles as presented in this section.
In general, a rising PSA is considered a sign of disease recurrence.
7.1.2 Why follow-up?

The first post-treatment clinic visit focuses on detecting treatment-related complications and assist patients in
coping with their new situation apart from providing information on the pathological analysis. Men with PCa are
at increased risk of depression and attention for mental health status is required [892, 893]. Tumour or patient
characteristics may prompt changing the follow-up schedule.
7.1.3 How to follow-up?

The procedures indicated at follow-up visits vary according to the clinical situation. The examinations
discussed below are routinely used to detect PCa progression or residual disease. Prostate specific antigen
level and DRE are the only tests that should be performed routinely. A disease-specific history is mandatory at
every follow-up visit and includes psychological aspects, signs of disease progression, and treatment-related
complications. Evaluation of treatment-related complications must be individualised, which is beyond the
scope of these Guidelines. The examinations used for cancer-related follow-up after curative surgery or RT are
discussed below.
7.1.3.1 Prostate-specific antigen monitoring

Measurement of PSA is a cornerstone in follow-up after local treatment. Normal PSA values differ after RP and
RT, but PSA recurrence almost always precedes clinical recurrence [656, 894]. No recent consensus exists
regarding the best definition of PSA relapse after local treatment. Main aim is to establish when a PSA rise is
clinically significant since not all PSA increases have the same clinical value (see Section 6.3) [2].

7.1.3.2 Prostate-specific antigen monitoring after radical prostatectomy
Prostate-specific antigen is expected to be undetectable within six weeks after successful RP [895].
Persistently measurable PSA in patients treated with RP is thought to be due to residual cancer,
either micrometastases or residual disease in the prostatic fossa (see chapter on persistent PSA). Ultrasensitive
PSA assays remain controversial for routine follow-up after RP. Men with an ultrasensitive PSA nadir
< 0.01 ng/mL have a 4% likelihood of biochemical relapse within 2 years [896]. Detectable post-operative
ultrasensitive PSA does not predict BCR in all cases, although it adds prognostic value. In men with
ultrasensitive PSA > 0.05 ng/mL, 67% remained free of biochemical disease at five years [897]. If survival is
improved by early additional treatment after RP (before the PSA level reaches > 0.2 ng/mL), lower PSA nadir
levels, as well as a lower PSA-DT calculated based on the first detectable PSA level up to 0.2 ng/mL, may help
identify suitable candidates [898]. Post-prostatectomy ultrasensitive PSA levels > 0.01 ng/mL in combination
with clinical characteristics such as ISUP grade and surgical margin status may predict PSA progression and
can be useful to establish follow-up intervals [899].
7.1.3.3 Prostate-specific antigen monitoring after radiotherapy

Following RT, PSA drops more slowly as compared to RP. A nadir < 0.5 ng/mL is associated with a favourable
outcome after RT, although the optimal cut-off value remains controversial [900]. The interval before reaching
the nadir can be up to three years or more. At the 2006 RTOG-ASTRO Consensus Conference, the Phoenix
definition of radiation failure was proposed to establish a better correlation between definition and clinical
outcome, namely, an increase of 2 ng/mL above the post-treatment PSA nadir [657]. This definition also applies
to patients who received HT [657]. After RT, PSA-DT correlates with the site of recurrence; patients with local
recurrence have a PSA-DT of thirteen months compared to three months for those with distant failure [901].
7.1.3.4 Digital rectal examination

Local recurrence after curative treatment is possible without a concomitant rise in PSA level [902]. However,
this has only been proven in patients with unfavourable pathology, namely, undifferentiated tumours. Prostate-
specific antigen measurement and DRE comprise the most useful combination for first-line examination in
follow-up after RT but the role of DRE was questioned since it failed to detect any local recurrence in the
absence of a rising PSA in a series of 899 patients [903]. In a series of 1,118 prostatectomy patients no local
histologically proven recurrence was found by DRE alone and PSA measurement may be the only test needed
after RP [904, 905].
7.1.3.5 Transrectal ultrasound, bone scintigraphy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and
positron emission tomography computed tomography
Imaging techniques have no place in routine follow-up of localised PCa as long as the PSA is not rising.
Imaging is only justified in patients for whom the findings will affect treatment decisions, either in case of BCR
or in patients with symptoms. (See Section 6.3.4.2.1 for a more detailed discussion).
7.1.3.5.1 Transrectal ultrasonography/magnetic resonance imaging guided biopsy.

Biopsy of the prostate bed and urethrovesical anastomosis of the remaining prostate after radiotherapy are
only indicated if detection of a local recurrence affects treatment decisions (See Section 6.2.6.3 on imaging).
7.1.4 How long to follow-up?

Most patients who fail treatment for PCa do so within seven years after local therapy [370]. Patients should
be followed up more closely during the initial post-treatment period when risk of failure is highest. Prostate-
specific antigen measurement, disease-specific history and DRE (if considered) are recommended at three, six
and twelve months post-operatively, every six months thereafter until three years, and then annually. Whether
follow-up should be stopped in case PSA remains undetectable (after RP) or stable (after RT) remains an
unanswered question.
7.1.5 Summary of evidence and guidelines for follow-up after treatment with curative intent
After radical prostatectomy rising serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level is considered a 3
biochemical recurrence (BCR).
After radiotherapy, an increase in PSA > 2 ng/mL above the nadir, rather than a specific threshold 3
value, is considered as clinically meaningful BCR.
Palpable nodules and increasing serum PSA are signs of local recurrence. 2a

Routinely follow up asymptomatic patients by obtaining at least a disease-specific history Strong
and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement. These should be performed at
three, six and twelve months after treatment, then every six months until three years, and
then annually.
At recurrence, only perform imaging to detect local recurrence if the outcome will affect Strong
treatment planning.
Do not routinely offer bone scans and other imaging modalities to asymptomatic patients Strong
if there are no signs of biochemical relapse. In case patients have bone pain or other
symptoms of possible progression, restaging should be considered irrespective of serum
PSA level.
7.2 Follow-up: During first line hormonal treatment (androgen sensitive period)
7.2.1 Introduction
Follow up must be individualised as a rising PSA might be associated with rapid symptomatic progression
or evolve without progression on imaging or symptoms over time. Follow-up for mCRPC is addressed in
treatment Section 6.3.4.1, as first-line management of mCRPC and follow-up are closely linked.
7.2.2 Purpose of follow-up

The main objectives of follow-up in these patients are to ensure treatment compliance, to monitor treatment
response and side-effects, and to guide treatment at the time of CRPC.
Complementary investigations must be restricted to those that are clinically helpful to avoid
unnecessary examinations and costs.
7.2.3 Methods of follow-up

7.2.3.1 Clinical follow-up
Clinical follow-up is mandatory on a regular basis, and it cannot be replaced, neither by laboratory tests nor
by imaging modalities. Of utmost importance in metastatic situations is to advise patients about early signs of
spinal cord compression, check for occult cord compression, urinary tract complications (ureteral obstruction,
bladder outlet obstruction) or bone lesions that are at an increased fracture risk.
7.2.3.1.1 Prostate-specific antigen monitoring

Prostate-specific antigen is a key marker for following the course of androgen-sensitive PCa. Treatment
response may be assessed using the change in serum PSA level as a surrogate end-point for survival in
patients with newly diagnosed metastatic PCa receiving ADT [793], or ADT combined with docetaxel [794].
A rise in PSA level usually precedes the onset of clinical symptoms by several months. Clinical progression has
been reported without a rising PSA in up to 25% of patients [908]. However, due to a lack of follow-up data a
recommendation cannot be provided.
Other serum markers may be considered for prognostication [909-911] but the effects of their use
on patient outcome are, as yet, unknown.
7.2.3.1.2 Creatinine, haemoglobin and liver function monitoring

Estimated glomerular filtration rate monitoring is good clinical practice as an increase may be linked to bilateral
ureteral obstruction or bladder retention. Liver function tests may suggest treatment toxicity (especially NSAA),
but rarely disease progression. A decline in Hb after three months of ADT is independently associated with
shorter progression-free and OS rates and might explain significant fatigue [912]. Alkaline phosphatase may
increase secondary to bone metastases and androgen-induced osteoporosis [913]. Therefore, it may be helpful
to determine bone-specific isoenzymes as none are directly influenced by HT.
7.2.3.1.3 Imaging
Asymptomatic patients with a stable PSA level should not undergo imaging [914]. New symptomatic bone
lesions require a bone scan, as well as a PSA progression suggesting CRPC status if a treatment modification
is considered. The PCWG has clarified the definition of bone scan progression as the appearance of at least
two new lesions, later confirmed [846].
Suspicion of disease progression indicates the need for additional imaging modalities, most often
initially a CT-scan but further imaging will be guided by symptoms or possible subsequent treatments. In
CRPC, imaging must be individualised with the aim of maintaining the patient’s QoL.
7.2.3.1.4 Testosterone monitoring

This should be considered part of clinical practice for men on LHRH therapy. Many men receiving medical

castration will achieve a castrate testosterone level (< 20 ng/dL), and most a testosterone level < 50 ng/dL.
However, approximately 13-38% of patients fail to achieve this goal and up to 24% of men may experience
temporary testosterone surges (testosterone > 50 ng/dL) during long-term treatment [495], known as the ‘acute
on-chronic effect’ or ‘breakthrough response’.
The timing of measurements is not clearly defined. A three to six-month testosterone level
assessment has been suggested to ensure castration is achieved and maintained. If not, switching to another
agonist or antagonist, or to an orchiectomy, should be considered. In patients with a rising PSA and/or clinical
progression, serum testosterone must be evaluated in all cases to confirm a castrate-resistant state.
7.2.3.1.5 Monitoring of metabolic complications

The most severe complications of androgen suppression are metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular morbidity,
mental health problems, and bone resorption (see Section 8.2.4.5).
All patients should be screened for diabetes by checking fasting glucose and HbA1c (at baseline
and regularly), in addition to checking blood lipid levels. Men with impaired glucose tolerance and/or diabetes
should be referred for an endocrine consultation. A cardiology consultation should be considered in men with
a history of cardiovascular disease and men older than 65 years prior to starting ADT. Men on enzalutamide or
abiraterone acetate are at increased risk of cardiovascular problems and hypertension and regular checks are
required [915]. Monitoring serum levels of vitamin D and calcium is important. It is suggested that routine bone
monitoring should be performed every two years during castration [916], or yearly if there are other risk factors
[917, 918]. However, there is no evidence that this favourably impacts on bone complications due to ADT. The
FRAX score can help identify men at risk of osteoporotic complications but validation of the score in the ADT
settings is required [919, 920].
Men on anti-androgen therapy should have their transaminase levels checked at least twice/year in
view of liver toxicity..
Patients on ADT should be given advice on modifying their lifestyle (e.g. diet, exercise, smoking cessation,
etc.) and should be treated for existing conditions, such as diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and/or hypertension
[912, 913]. Androgen deprivation therapy may affect mental health and men with ADT are three times more
likely to report depression [921]. Attention for mental health should therefore be part of the follow-up scheme.
Furthermore, the risk-to-benefit ratio of ADT must be considered in patients with a higher risk of cardiovascular
complications, especially if it is possible to delay starting ADT.
7.2.4 When to follow-up

After the initiation of ADT, it is recommended that patients are followed at three to six month intervals. This
must be individualised and each patient should be advised to contact his physician in the event of troublesome
symptoms.
7.2.4.1 Stage M0 - M1 patients

In case there is a favourable treatment response, i.e. PSA response (< 4 ng/mL), symptomatic improvement,
good psychological coping and good treatment compliance, follow-up visits may be scheduled every three to
six months.
7.2.5 Imaging as a marker of response in metastatic prostate cancer

Treatment response in soft-tissue metastases can be assessed by morphological imaging methods using the
Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) criteria. However, these criteria cannot be used in
bone where response assessment is difficult [922, 923].
Quantitative estimation of tracer uptake at BS can be obtained through automated methods such as
the Bone Scan Index [924]. Nonetheless, BS is limited by the so-called ‘flare’ phenomenon which is defined by
the development of new images induced by treatment on a first follow-up scan which, after longer observation,
actually represent a favourable response. Flare is observed within eight to twelve weeks of treatment initiation
and can lead to false-positive diagnosis of disease progression. As a result, the PCWG suggested that all
patients with at least two new lesions on the first follow-up BS require a confirmatory BS at least six weeks
later while the treatment is continued [846]. This means that management change for primary therapy
resistance cannot occur until after at least fourteen weeks of treatment. Computed tomography cannot be used
to monitor sclerotic bone lesions because bone sclerosis can occur under effective treatment and reflects bone
healing. The ability of PET/CT to assess response has been evaluated in a few studies but, until further data are
available, PET/CT has no role in this setting. Magnetic resonance imaging can directly assess the bone marrow
and demonstrate progression based on morphologic criteria or changes in apparent diffusion coefficient. A
standardisation for reporting is available [925].

In practice, imaging to assess progression leading to treatment change must be limited to a clear progression:
RECIST criteria for non-bone lesions; for bone lesions, only BS progression (occurrence of two new hot spots,
later confirmed) should be considered. The practical impact of mpMRI in assessing bone progression remains
unclear.
7.2.6 Guidelines for follow-up during hormonal treatment

Evaluate patients at three to six months after the initiation of treatment. Strong
The follow-up strategy must be individualised based on stage of disease, prior symptoms, Strong
prognostic factors and the treatment given.
In patients with stage M0 disease, schedule follow-up every six months. As a minimum Strong
requirement, include a disease-specific history and serum PSA determination in the
diagnostic work-up.
In patients with stage M1 disease, schedule follow-up every three to six months. As a Strong
minimum requirement, include a disease-specific history, DRE, serum PSA, haemoglobin,
serum creatinine and alkaline phosphatase measurements in the diagnostic work-up. The
testosterone level should be checked, especially during the first year.
Counsel patients (especially with M1b status) about the clinical signs suggestive of spinal Strong
cord compression.
When disease progression is suspected, adapt/individualise follow-up. Strong
In patients with suspected progression, assess the testosterone level. By definition, Strong
castration resistant PCa (CRPC) requires a testosterone level < 50 ng/dL (< 1 mL/L).
Do not offer routine imaging to otherwise stable asymptomatic patients. Weak
8. QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES IN PROSTATE

CANCER
This chapter is presented in two parts. The first (8.2) will summarise long-term consequences (> 12 months)
of therapies for PCa. Based on two SRs, the second (8.3) will make evidence-based recommendations for
supporting patients when selecting primary treatment options for localised disease and also supportive
interventions aimed at improving disease-specific QoL across all stages of disease.
8.1 Introduction
Quality of life and personalised care go hand in hand. Treating PCa can affect an individual both physically and
mentally, as well as his close relations and his work or vocation. These multifaceted issues all have a bearing
on his perception of QoL [926]. Approaching care from a holistic point of view requires the intervention of
a multi-disciplinary team including urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, oncology nurses,
behavioural practitioners and many others. Attention to the psychosocial concerns of men with PCa is integral
to quality clinical care, and this can include the needs of carers and partners [860]. Prostate cancer care should
not be reduced to focusing on the organ in isolation: side-effects or late adverse effects of treatment can
manifest systemically and have a major influence on the patient’s QoL. Taking QoL into consideration relies on
understanding the patient’s values and preferences so that optimal treatment proposals can be formulated and
discussed.
8.2 Adverse effects of prostate cancer therapies

8.2.1 Surgery
The absence of standardisation in reporting surgical complications for RP and the introduction of different
techniques has resulted in a wide variation in the types of complications reported, as well as variation in the
overall incidence of complications [927-930]. The most common post-operative issue is ED but other related
issues to consider include dry ejaculation, which occurs with removal of the prostate, change in the quality of
orgasm and occasional pain on orgasm. Men also complain of loss of penile length (3.73%, 19/510 men) [931].
The second most commonly occurring complication is long-term incontinence [927-930] but voiding difficulties
may also occur associated with bladder neck contracture (e.g. 1.1% after RALP) [932].
For those men undergoing minimally invasive procedures port site hernia has been reported in
0.66% after inserting 12 mm bladeless trocar [933] and can occur more rarely with 8 mm and 5 mm trocars

[933]. A key consideration for men is whether long-term consequences of surgery are reduced by using newer
techniques such as RALP. Systematic reviews have documented complication rates after RALP [380, 402-
405], and can be compared with contemporaneous reports after RRP [406]. From these reports, the mean
continence rates at twelve months were 89-100% for patients treated with RALP and 80-97% for patients
treated with RRP. A prospective, controlled, non-randomised trial of patients undergoing RP in fourteen centres
using RALP or RRP demonstrates that at twelve months after RALP, 21.3% were incontinent, as were 20.2%
after RRP. The unadjusted OR was 1.08 (95% CI: 0.87-1.34). Erectile dysfunction was observed in 70.4%
after RALP and 74.7% after RRP. The unadjusted OR was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.66-0.98) [407, 934]. Further follow-
up demonstrates similar functional outcomes with both techniques at 24 months [934, 935]. A single centre
randomised phase III study comparing RALP and RRP (n = 326) also demonstrates similar functional outcomes
with both techniques at 24 months [375].
8.2.2 Radiotherapy
8.2.2.1 Side-effects of external beam radiotherapy
Analysis of the toxicity outcomes of the Prostate Testing for Cancer and Treatment (ProtecT) trial [936] shows
that men treated with EBRT and six months of ADT report bowel toxicity including persistent diarrhoea, bowel
urgency and/or incontinence and rectal bleeding (described in detail in section 8.3.1.1 below). Participants
in the ProtecT study were treated with 3D CRT and more recent studies using IMRT demonstrate less bowel
toxicity than noted previously with 3D CRT [937].
A SR and meta-analysis of observational studies comparing patients exposed or unexposed to
radiotherapy in the course of treatment for PCa demonstrate an increased risk of developing second cancers
for bladder (OR: 1.39), colorectal (OR: 1.68) and rectum (OR: 1.62) with similar risks over lag times of five and
ten years. Absolute excess risks over ten years are small (1-4%) but should be discussed with younger men in
particular [938].
8.2.2.2 Side-effects from brachytherapy

Some patients experience significant urinary complications following implantation, such as urinary retention
(1.5-22%), with post-implantation TURP reported as being required in up to 8.7% of cases, and incontinence
(0-19%) [939]. Chronic urinary morbidity can occur in up to 20% of patients, depending on the severity of the
symptoms before brachytherapy. Previous TURP for BPH increases the risk of post-implantation incontinence
and urinary morbidity. Prevention of morbidity depends on careful patient selection, and expert assessment of
IPSS score, backed up by urodynamic studies.
8.2.3 Local primary whole-gland treatments other than surgery or radiotherapy

8.2.3.1 Cryosurgery
In Ramsay et al.’s SR and meta-analysis there was evidence that the rate of urinary incontinence at one year
was lower for cryotherapy than for RP, but the size of the difference decreased with longer follow-up [524].
There was no significant difference between cryotherapy vs. EBRT in terms of urinary incontinence at one
year (< 1%); cryotherapy had a similar ED rate (range 0-40%) to RP at one year. There was insufficient data to
compare cryotherapy vs. EBRT in terms of ED.
8.2.3.2 High-intensity focused ultrasound

In terms of toxicity, there are insufficient data on urinary incontinence, ED or bowel dysfunction to draw any
conclusions, although at one year HIFU had lower incontinence rates than RP (OR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.48)
[524].

A summary of impacts on psychological factors due to the use of ADT such as sexual function, mood,
depression, cognitive function and impact on men’s partners can be found in two clinical reviews [940, 941].
A small RCT evaluated the QoL at one-year follow-up in patients with non-localised PCa, between various
ADT regimens, or no treatment. ADT patients reported a significant decline in spatial reasoning, spatial abilities
and working memory as well as increased depression, tension, anxiety, fatigue and irritability during treatment
[942]. Conversely, a prospective observational study with follow-up to three years failed to demonstrate an
association with cognitive decline in men on ADT when compared to men with PCa not treated with ADT and
healthy controls [943]. A prospective observational study of non-metastatic PCa, found that immediate ADT
was associated with a lower overall QoL compared to deferred treatment [944]. Another retrospective, non-
randomised study suggested that men receiving LHRH agonists reported more worry and physical discomfort
and poorer overall health, and were less likely to believe themselves free of cancer than orchiectomised
patients. The stage at diagnosis had no effect on health outcomes [945].
Using a specific non-validated questionnaire, bicalutamide monotherapy showed a significant

advantage over castration in the domains of physical capacity and sexual interest (not sexual function)
at twelve months [946]. A post-hoc analysis, including only patients with sexual interest suggested that
bicalutamide was associated with better sexual preservation, including maintained sexual interest, feeling
sexually attractive [947], preserved libido and erectile function [948]. Intermittent androgen deprivation has
been discussed elsewhere (see Section 6.4.4.3).
8.2.4.1 Sexual function

Cessation of sexual activity is very common in men undergoing ADT, affecting up to 93% of men [949]. ADT
reduces both libido and the ability to gain and maintain erections. The management of acquired ED is mostly
non-specific [950].
8.2.4.2 Hot flushes

Hot flushes are a common side-effect of ADT (prevalence estimated between 44-80% of men on ADT) [949].
They appear three months after starting ADT, usually persist long-term and have a significant impact on
QoL. Oestrogen-receptor modulators or low-dose oestrogen therapies, e.g. DES, 0.5-1 mg/day, reduce the
frequency and severity of hot flushes. Both treatments carry a risk of cardiovascular complications [951].
Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (e.g. venlafaxine or sertraline) also appear to be effective in men, but
less than hormone therapies based on a prospective RCT comparing venlafaxine, 75 mg daily, with
medroxyprogesterone, 20 mg daily, or cyproterone acetate, 100 mg daily [952]. After six months of LHRH
(n = 919), 311 men had significant hot flushes and were randomised to one of the treatments. Based on median
daily hot-flush score, Venlafaxine was inferior -47.2% (IQR -74.3 to -2.5) compared to -94.5% (-100.0 to -74.5)
in the cyproterone group, and -83.7% (-98.9 to -64.3) in the medroxyprogesterone group. With a placebo
effect influencing up to 30% of patients [953], the efficacy of clonidine, veralipride, gabapentine [954] and
acupuncture [955] need to be compared in prospective RCTs.
8.2.4.3 Non-metastatic bone fractures

Due to increased bone turnover and decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in a time-dependent manner, ADT
use is linked to an increased risk of fracture (up to 45% RR with long-term ADT) [956]. Hip fractures in men
are associated with a significant risk of death [957]. A precise evaluation of BMD should be performed by dual
emission X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) before starting long-term ADT. An initial low BMD (T-score < -2.5 or
< -1, with other risk factors) indicates a high risk of subsequent non-metastatic fracture. The WHO FRAX tool
(http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX) should be used to evaluate individual risk. Obesity (increase in body fat mass by
up to 10%) and sarcopenia (decrease in lean tissue mass by up to 3%) as well as weight loss are common and
occur during the first year of ADT [958]. These changes increase the fracture risk [959].
8.2.4.3.1 Hormonal treatment modalities

Bicalutamide monotherapy may have less impact on BMD [960, 961], but is limited by its suboptimal efficacy
(see Section 6.1.4.1.1.5.2.3 - Metastatic PCa - Hormonal Therapy). The intermittent LHRH-agonist modality
might be associated with less bone impact [962].
8.2.4.4 Metabolic effects

Lipid alterations are common and may occur as early as the first three months of treatment [958]. ADT also
decreases insulin sensitivity and increases fasting plasma insulin levels, which is a marker of insulin resistance.
In diabetic patients, metformin appears to be an attractive option for protection against metabolic effects
based on retrospective analysis [963], but there is insufficient data to recommend its use in non-diabetic
patients.
Metabolic syndrome is an association of independent cardiovascular disease risk factors, often associated with
insulin resistance. The definition requires at least three of the following criteria [964]:
• waist circumference > 102 cm;
• serum triglyceride > 1.7 mmol/L;
• blood pressure > 130/80 mmHg or use of medication for hypertension;
• high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol < 1 mmol/L;
• glycaemia > 5.6 mmol/L or the use of medication for hyperglycaemia.
The prevalence of a metabolic-like syndrome is higher during ADT compared with men not receiving ADT [965].
Skeletal muscle mass heavily influences basal metabolic rate and is in turn heavily influenced by endocrine
pathways [966]. Androgen deprivation therapy-induced hypogonadism results in negative effects on skeletal

muscle health. A prospective longitudinal study involving 252 men on ADT for a median of 20.4 months
reported lean body mass decreases progressively over three years; 1.0% at one year, 2.1% at two years, and
2.4% at three years which appears more pronounced in men at > 70 years of age [967].
8.2.4.5 Cardiovascular morbidity

Cardiovascular mortality is a common cause of death in PCa patients [784, 968, 969]. Several studies showed
that ADT, after only six months, was associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular
disease, and myocardial infarction [970]. The RTOG 92-02 [971] and 94-08 [972] trials confirmed an
increased cardiovascular risk, unrelated to the duration of ADT and not accompanied by an overall increased
cardiovascular mortality. No increase in cardiovascular mortality has been reported in a systematic meta-
analysis of trials RTOG 8531, 8610, 9202, EORTC 30891 or EORTC 22863 [973]. However, serious concerns
about the conclusions of this meta-analysis have been raised due to poor consideration of bias in the included
studies [974, 975]. Meta-analysis of observational data reports consistent links between ADT and the risk of
cardiovascular disease in men treated for PCa e.g. the associations between GnRH agonists and nonfatal
or fatal myocardial infarction or stroke RR: 1.57 (95% CI: 1.26-1.94) and RR: 1.51 (95% CI: 1.24-1.84),
respectively [976]. An increase in cardiovascular mortality has been reported in patients suffering from previous
congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction in a retrospective database analysis [977] or presenting with
a metabolic syndrome [978]. It has been suggested that LHRH antagonists might be associated with less
cardiovascular morbidity compared to agonists [979]. However, the methodology used in these studies does
not provide convincing evidence to show a clear superiority of these compounds.
These concerns resulted in an FDA warning and consensus paper from the American Heart, Cancer
Society and Urological Associations [783]. Preventive advice includes non-specific measures such as loss of
weight, increased exercise, improved nutrition and smoking cessation [980].
8.2.4.6 Fatigue
Fatigue often develops as a side-effect of ADT. Regular exercise appears to be the best protective measure.
Anaemia may be a cause of fatigue [949, 981]. Anaemia requires an etiological diagnosis (medullar invasion,
renal insufficiency, iron deficiency, chronic bleeding) and individualised treatment. Iron supplementation (using
injectable formulations only) must be systematic if deficiency is observed. Regular blood transfusions are
required if severe anaemia is present. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents might be considered in dedicated
cases, taking into account the possible increased risk of thrombovascular events [982].
8.2.4.7 Neurological side-effects

Castration seems also to be associated with an increased risk of stroke [983], and is suspect to be associated
with an increased risk for depression and cognitive decline such as Alzheimer disease [984].
8.3 Overall quality of life in men with prostate cancer

Living longer with PCa, does not necessarily equate to living well [860, 926]. There is clear evidence of
unmet needs and ongoing support requirements for some men after diagnosis and treatment for PCa [985].
Cancer impacts on the wider family and cognitive behavioural therapy can help reduce depression, anxiety
and stress in caregivers [986]. Radical treatment for PCa can negatively impact long-term QoL (e.g. sexual,
urinary and bowel dysfunction), as can ADT used in short or long-term treatment e.g. sexual problems,
fatigue, psychological morbidity, adverse metabolic sequelae increased cardiovascular and bone fracture
risk [940, 987]. Direct symptoms from advanced or metastatic cancer e.g. pain, hypercalcaemia, spinal cord
compression, pathological fractures, also adversely affect health [988, 989]. Men’s QoL including domains
such as sexual function, urinary function and bowel function is worse after treatment for PCa compared to non-
cancer controls [990, 991].
The concept of ‘quality of life’ is subjective and can mean different things to different men, but there are some
generally common features across virtually all patients. Drawing from these common features, specific tools or
‘patient-reported outcome measures’ (PROMs) have been developed and validated for men with PCa. These
questionnaires assess common issues that affect men after PCa diagnosis and treatment and generate scores
which reflect the impact on perceptions of HRQoL. During the process of undertaking two dedicated SRs
around cancer-specific QoL outcomes in men with PCa as the foundation for our guideline recommendations,
the following validated PROMs were found in our searches (see Table 8.3.1).

Table 8.3.1: PROMs assessing cancer specific quality of life
Questionnaire Domains / items

Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Physical well-being, Social/family well-being,
(FACT-G) [992] Emotional well-being, and Functional well-being
Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate 12 cancer site specific items to assess for prostate
(FACT-P) [993] related symptoms. Can be combined with FACT-G
or reported separately.
European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Five functional scales (physical, role, cognitive,
Cancer QLQ-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) [994] emotional, and social); Three symptom scales
(fatigue, pain, and nausea and vomiting); Global
health status/QoL scale; and a number of single
items assessing additional symptoms commonly
reported by cancer patients (dyspnoea, loss of
appetite, insomnia, constipation and diarrhoea)
and perceived financial impact of the disease.
European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Urinary, bowel and treatment-related symptoms,
Cancer QLQ-PR 25 (EORTC QLQ-PR 25) [995] as well as sexual activity and sexual function.
Expanded prostate cancer index composite (EPIC) [996] Urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal symptoms.
Expanded prostate cancer index composite short form Urinary, sexual, bowel, and hormonal domains.
26 (EPIC 26) [997]
UCLA Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA PCI) [998] Urinary, bowel, and sexual domains.
Prostate Cancer Quality of Life Instrument (PCQoL) [999] Urinary, sexual, and bowel domains, supplemented
by a scale assessing anxiety.
Prostate Cancer Outcome Study Instrument [1000] Urinary, bowel, and sexual domains.
8.3.1 Long-term (> 12 months) quality of life outcomes in men with localised disease
8.3.1.1 Men undergoing local treatments
The results of the Prostate Testing for Cancer and Treatment (ProtecT) trial (n = 1,643 men) reported no
difference in EORTC QLQ-C30 assessed global QoL, up to five years of follow-up in men aged 50-69 years
with T1-T2 disease randomised for treatment with AM, RP or RT with six months of ADT [936]. However, EPIC
urinary summary scores (at six years) were worse in men treated with RP compared to AM or RT (88.7 vs. 89.0
vs. 91.4, respectively) as were urinary incontinence (80.9 vs. 85.8 vs. 89.4, respectively) and sexual summary,
function and bother scores (32.3 vs. 40.6 vs. 41.3 for sexual summary, 23.7 vs. 32.5 vs. 32.7 for sexual function
and 51.4 vs. 57.9 vs. 60.1 for sexual bother, respectively) at six years of follow-up. Minimal clinically important
differences for the 50 item EPIC questionnaire are not available. For men receiving RT with six months of
ADT, EPIC bowel scores were poorer compared to AM and RP in all domains: function (90.8 vs. 92.3 vs. 92.3,
respectively), bother (91.7 vs. 94.2 vs. 93.7, respectively) and summary (91.2 vs. 93.2 vs. 93.0, respectively) at
six years of follow-up in the ProtecT trial.
The findings regarding RP and RT are supported by other observational studies, the most important being
The Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study (PCOS) [930] that studied a cohort of 1,655 men, of whom 1,164 had
undergone RP and 491 RT. The study reported that at five years of follow-up, men who underwent RP had a
higher prevalence of urinary incontinence and ED, while men treated with RT had a higher prevalence of bowel
dysfunction. However, despite these differences detected at five years, there were no significant differences in
the adjusted odds of urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction or ED between RP and RT at fifteen years. More
recently, investigators reported that although EBRT was associated with a negative effect in bowel function,
the difference in bowel domain score was below the threshold for clinical significance twelve months after
treatment [937]. As 81% of patients in the EBRT arm of the study received IMRT, these data suggest that the
risk of side-effects in contemporary treatments may be slightly less.
With respect to brachytherapy cancer-specific QoL outcomes, one small RCT (n = 200) evaluated bilateral
nerve-sparing RP and brachytherapy in men with localised disease (up to T2a), which reported worsening of
physical functioning as well as irritative urinary symptomatology in 20% of brachytherapy patients at one year
of follow-up. However, there were no significant differences in EORTC QLQ-C30/PR-25 scores at five years
of follow-up when comparing to pre-treatment values [1001]. It should be noted of this trial within group tests
only were reported. In a subsequent study by the same group comparing bilateral nerve-sparing RARP and
brachytherapy (n = 165), improved continence was noted with brachytherapy in the first six months but lower
potency rates up to two years [1002]. These data and a synthesis of eighteen randomised and non-randomised
studies in a SR involving 13,604 patients, are the foundation of the following recommendations [1003].

8.3.1.2 Guidelines for quality of life in men undergoing local treatments

Advise eligible patients for active surveillance, that global quality of life is equivalent for up Strong
to five years compared to radical prostatectomy or external beam radiotherapy.
Discuss the negative impact of surgery on urinary and sexual function, as well as the Strong
negative impact of radiotherapy on bowel function with patients.
Advise patients treated with brachytherapy of the negative impact on irritative urinary Weak
symptomatology at one year but not after five years.
8.3.2 Improving quality of life in men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer
Men undergoing local treatments
In men with localised disease, nurse led multi-disciplinary rehabilitation (addressing sexual functioning, cancer
worry, relationship issues depression, managing bowel and urinary function problems) provided positive short-
term effects (four months) on sexual function (effect size 0.45) and long-term (twelve months) positive effects
on sexual limitation (effect size 0.5) and cancer worry (effect size 0.51) [1004].
In men with post-surgical urinary incontinence, conservative management options include pelvic
floor muscle training with or without biofeedback, electrical stimulation, extra-corporeal magnetic innervation
(ExMI), compression devices (penile clamps), lifestyle changes, or a combination of methods. Uncertainty
around the effectiveness and value of these conservative interventions remains [1005]. Surgical interventions
including sling and artificial urinary sphincter significantly decrease the number of pads used per day and
increase the QoL compared with before intervention. The overall cure rate is around 60% and results in
improvement in incontinence by about 25% [1006].
The use of PDE5 inhibitors in penile rehabilitation has been subject to some debate. A single
centre, double blind RCT of 100 men undergoing nerve-sparing surgery reported no benefit of nightly sildenafil
(50 mg) compared to on-demand use [1007]. However, a multicentre double blind RCT (n = 423) in men aged
< 68 years, with normal pre-treatment erectile function undergoing either open, conventional or robot-assisted
laparoscopic nerve-sparing RP, Tadalafil (5 mg) once per day improved participants EPIC sexual domain-scores
(least squares mean difference +9.6: 95% CI: 3.1-16.0) when compared to 20 mg ‘on demand’ or placebo at
nine months of follow-up [435]. Therefore, based on discordant results, no clear recommendation is possible,
even if a trend exists for early use of PDE5 inhibitors after RP for penile rehabilitation [1008]. A detailed
discussion can be found in the EAU Male Sexual Dysfunction Guidelines [1009].
Men undergoing systemic treatments

Similar to men treated with a radical approach (see above), in men with T1-T3 disease undergoing RT and
ADT, a combined nurse led psychological support and physiotherapist led multi-disciplinary rehabilitation
has reported improvements in QoL. Specifically this intervention involved action planning around patients’
needs related to lifestyle changes, weight control, toilet habits, sexuality, and psychological problems. This
was complemented with pelvic floor muscle therapy. Improvements in urinary (adjusted mean 4.5: 95% CI:
0.6-8.4), irritative (adjusted mean 5.8: 95% CI: 1.4-10.3) and hormonal (adjusted mean 4.8: 95% CI: 0.8-8.8)
EPIC domains were found up to 22 weeks of follow-up [1010].
Providing supervised aerobic and resistance exercise training of a moderate intensity improves
EORTC QLQ-C30 role (adjusted mean 15.8: 95% CI: 6.6-24.9) and cognitive domain outcomes (adjusted mean
11.4: 95% CI: 3.3-19.6) as well as symptom scales for fatigue (adjusted mean 11.0: 95% CI: 20.2-1.7), nausea
(adjusted mean 4.0: 95% CI: 7.4-0.25), and dyspnoea (adjusted mean 12.4: 95% CI: 22.5-2.3) up to three
months in men treated with ADT [1011]. Such interventions have also reported clinically relevant improvements
in FACT-P (mean difference 8.9: 95% CI: 3.7-14.2) in men on long-term ADT [1012, 1013]. These findings are
supported by a SR which reported improvements up to twelve weeks in cancer-specific QoL in a meta-analysis
of high quality trials (SMD 0.33: 95%, CI: 0.08-0.58) [981].
Bisphosphonates increase BMD in the hip and spine by up to 7% in one year. The optimal regimen
for zoledronic acid remains unclear: quarterly [1014] or yearly [1015] injections. The question is relevant as the
risk of jaw necrosis is both dose- and time-related [1016]. A quarterly regimen could be considered for a BMD
< 2.5 as a yearly injection is unlikely to provide sufficient protection [1017].
In M0 patients, denosumab has been shown to increase the lumbar BMD by 5.6% compared to a 1% decrease
in the placebo arm after two years, using a 60 mg subcutaneous regimen every six months [1018]. This was
associated with a significant decrease in vertebral fracture risk (1.5% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.006). The benefits were
similar whatever the age (< or > 70 years), the duration or type of ADT, the initial BMD, the patient’s weight or
the initial BMI. This benefit was not associated with any significant toxicity, e.g. jaw osteonecrosis or delayed

healing in vertebral fractures. In M0 patients, with the use of a higher dosage (120 mg every four weeks), a
delay in bone metastases of 4.2 months has been shown [888] without any impact on OS, but with an increase
in side-effects. Therefore, this later regimen cannot be recommended.
8.3.2.1 Guidelines for quality of life in men undergoing systemic treatments

Offer men on androgen deprivation therapy, twelve weeks of supervised (by trained exercise Strong
specialists) combined aerobic and resistance exercise.
Advise men on androgen deprivation therapy to maintain a healthy weight and diet, Strong
to stop smoking and have yearly screening for diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.
Supplementation with vitamin D and calcium is advised.
Offer men with T1-T3 disease specialist nurse led, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation based Strong
on the patients’ personal goals addressing incontinence, sexuality, depression and fear of
recurrence, social support and positive lifestyle changes after any radical treatment.
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10. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

All members of the EAU – EANM - ESTRO – ESUR – SIOG Prostate Cancer Guidelines working panel have
provided disclosure statements on all relationships that they have that might be perceived to be a potential
source of a conflict of interest. This information is publically accessible through the European Association of
Urology website: http://www.uroweb.org/guidelines/.
This guidelines document was developed with the financial support of the European Association of
Urology. No external sources of funding and support have been involved. The EAU is a non-profit organisation,
and funding is limited to administrative assistance and travel and meeting expenses. No honoraria or other
reimbursements have been provided.

11. CITATION INFORMATION
The format in which to cite the EAU Guidelines will vary depending on the style guide of the journal in which the
citation appears. Accordingly, the number of authors or whether, for instance, to include the publisher, location,
or an ISBN number may vary.
The compilation of the complete Guidelines should be referenced as:

EAU Guidelines. Edn. presented at the EAU Annual Congress Barcelona 2019. ISBN 978-94-92671-04-2.
If a publisher and/or location is required, include:

EAU Guidelines Office, Arnhem, The Netherlands. http://uroweb.org/guidelines/compilations-of-all-guidelines/
References to individual guidelines should be structured in the following way:

Contributors’ names. Title of resource. Publication type. ISBN. Publisher and publisher location, year.


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© European Association of Urology 2019

3. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND AETIOLOGY 13

4. CLASSIFICATION AND STAGING SYSTEMS 16

2 PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019

PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019 3

4 PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019

PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019 5

6 PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019

PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019 7

8. QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES IN PROSTATE CANCER 98

10. CONFLICT OF INTEREST 160

11. CITATION INFORMATION 161

8 PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019

1.2 Panel composition

1.3 Available publications

1.4 Publication history and summary of changes

1.4.2 Summary of changes

5.2.4.8 Summary of evidence and guidelines for diagnostic imaging

Recommendations for all patients LE Strength rating

PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019 9

Recommendations in patients with prior negative biopsy LE Strength rating

5.3.5 Guidelines for staging of prostate cancer

Any risk group staging LE Strength rating

5.4.5 Guidelines for evaluating health status and life expectancy

Recommendations Strength rating

6.2.1.1.3.3 Guidelines for imaging in men on active surveillance

Recommendations in men on active surveillance LE Strength rating

6.2.1.4 Guidelines for the treatment of low-risk disease

Recommendations Strength rating

10 PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019

Recommendations Strength rating

Recommendations Strength rating

6.3.4.4 Guidelines for imaging in patients with biochemical recurrence

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence after radical LE Strength

Local salvage treatment Strength rating

PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019 11

6.4.9 Guidelines for the first-line treatment of metastatic disease

Recommendations Strength rating

6.5.14 Guidelines for non-metastatic castrate-resistant disease

Recommendation Strength rating

8.3.2.1 Guidelines for quality of life in men undergoing systemic treatments

Recommendations Strength rating

12 PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019

2.3 Future goals

3. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND AETIOLOGY

PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019 13

3.2.2 Risk factors

3.2.2.1 Metabolic syndrome (MetS)

3.2.2.2 Dietary factors

14 PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019

3.2.2.3 Hormonally active medication

3.2.2.4 Other potential risk factors

PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019 15

Recommendation Strength rating

4. CLASSIFICATION AND STAGING SYSTEMS

T - Primary Tumour (stage based on digital rectal examination [DRE] only)

16 PROSTATE CANCER - UPDATE MARCH 2019

Table 4.2: International Society of Urological Pathology 2014 grades