Comparisons of oncological and functional outcomes among radical retropubic prostatectomy, high dose rate brachytherapy, cryoablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound for localized prostate cancer

PURPOSE To conduct a retrospective, single institutional and comparative study for radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRBT), cryoablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in localized prostate cancer with respect to oncological and functional outcomes. METHODS We reviewed 97, 161, 114 and 120 patients of RRP, HDRBT, cryoablation and HIFU respectively for localized prostate cancer from May 2008 to December 2013. PSA biochemical recurrence, salvage treatment-free rate, metastasis-free rate, and biochemical recurrence-free survival were analyzed for oncological outcomes. Functional outcomes included complications and serial IIEF-5 scores, IPSS and related QoL scores. RESULTS During nearly 3 years of follow-up, the patients of HDRBT experienced higher PSA biochemical recurrence rate overall (54.7%), as well as D'Amico intermediate-risk (34.4%) and high-risk (61.8%) groups, lower salvage treatment-free rate (46.7%), and metastasis-free rate (90.7%). Besides, the patients of RRP demonstrated higher urethral stricture (29.9%) and urinary incontinence (11.3%). The patients of HIFU revealed lower de novo erectile dysfunction rate at 1 year (65.6%), higher serial IIEF-5 scores, lower IPSS and related QoL scores. CONCLUSIONS The patients of HDRBT demonstrated worse oncological outcomes in D'Amico intermediate and high-risk groups. Besides, the patients of RRP had more complications rate in urethral stricture and urinary incontinence. Moreover, the patients of HIFU experienced better urinary function improvement and more possible sexual function preservation. In consideration of trifecta, HIFU may provide equivalent cancer control and better quality of life for patients of localized prostate cancer.