[Usefulness of extension of disease as a prognostic factor in relapsed prostate cancer patients of stage D].

OBJECTIVE The prognosis of prostate cancer has been evaluated by clinical stage or pathological grade. PSA parameters including PSA density and PSA doubling time have not always precisely reflected the prognosis of prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate PSA parameters and extension of disease (EOD) grade as prognostic factors for relapsed prostate cancer. METHODS The relationship between PSA parameters or EOD grade, and survival of 29 stage D patients with relapsed prostate cancer after initial hormone therapy was examined. RESULTS Only EOD grade was an independent prognostic factor, even for cause-specific survival period and survival period after relapse. CONCLUSION EOD grade was a significant prognostic factor, and in particular, very useful as a prognostic factor for patients with bone metastasis. PSA value was not always associated with tumor volume, and therefore it is not an independent prognostic factor.