文摘
Purpose To investigate a potential correlation between the achievement of a cut-off of nadir PSA (nPSA) after brachytherapy (BRT) with biochemical Disease-Free Survival (bDFS) and to define the rate of post-BRT PSA bounces. Methods Retrospective analysis was carried out in 105 consecutive patients affected with early-stage prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent 125I BRT. Only patients with a minimum follow-up ?4?months were included. Biochemical DFS was chosen as primary endpoint. Results At a median follow-up of 51.2?months, 3- and 5-year bDFS were 96.8 and 91.2?%, respectively. Median time to biochemical failure (BF) was 54?months. By Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients achieving nPSA?≤?.35?ng/mL had significantly higher bDFS (3- and 5-year bDFS: 100 and 98.5?% vs 83.3 and 66.7?%, respectively; p?=?0.001). Bounce PSA occurred in 28.6?% of patients, at a median time of 21.5?months. No BFs were observed in the bounce group. Achieving a nPSA?≤?.35?ng/mL was the only factor independently associated with long-term bDFS on both univariate (p?=?0.000) and multivariate analysis (HR 3.82; p?=?0.003). Conclusions Patients attaining a nPSA?≤?.35?ng/mL are significantly more likely to experience long-term freedom-from-biochemical failure. Bounce PSA occurs in approximately 30?% of patients. Time to onset of PSA increase seems the most reliable feature to distinguish bounce from failure. Tailored follow-up strategies are needed for patients at higher risk of recurrence, and caution is advised in interpreting an early increase in PSA levels in the first 24-0?months after BRT.