Oncological and functional outcomes of men undergoing primary whole gland cryoablation of the prostate: A 20‐year experience

Background This study reports the oncological and functional outcomes in men with localized prostate cancer (Pca) who were treated with primary whole gland cryoablation (WGC) of the prostate. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed their prospectively collected cryosurgery database between January 2002 and September 2019 for men who were treated with WGC of the prostate at a tertiary referral center. Primary outcome includes biochemical recurrence‐free survival (BRFS). Secondary outcomes include failure‐free survival (FFS), metastasis‐free survival (MFS) and adverse events. Results A total of 260 men were included in the study. Men having had prior treatment for Pca were excluded. Median follow‐up was 107 months (interquartile range [IQR], 68.3–132.5 months). BRFS, FFS, and MFS at 10 years were 84%, 66%, and 96%, respectively. High risk D'Amico classification was associated with a lower BRFS and FFS on multivariable analysis. No patient had any Pca‐related death during follow‐up. American Urological Association symptoms score and bother index were unchanged following cryoablation. Median International Index of Erectile Function score precryoablation and post‐cryoablation was 7 (IQR, 3–11) and 1 (IQR, 1–5), respectively. Stress urinary incontinence, defined as requiring any protective pads only occurred in five patients (2%). No patient developed a fistula. Grade > 2 Clavien‐Dindo adverse events occurred in six (2.3%) patients. Conclusion WGC of the prostate can achieve excellent oncological and functional outcomes in men with localized Pca at the 10‐year mark. Primary WGC may be a good option for men who desire to preserve urinary continence and have an excellent oncologic outcome. Lay summary Primary whole gland cryoablation is an alternative treatment option to radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy for men with organ‐confined prostate cancer. Patients had excellent cancer outcomes 1 years after whole gland cryoablation, and patients with PSA nadir 0.1 ng/ml or lower after treatment were less likely to have disease recurrence. In the appropriate clinical context, primary whole gland cryoablation of the prostate achieves excellent oncological outcomes with minimal adverse events in men with localized prostate cancer. Primary whole gland cryoablation of the prostate may be an alternative to radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy for patients with localized prostate cancer.