A Critical Analysis of the Long-Term Impact of Radical Prostatectomy on Cancer Control and Function Outcomes

Abstract Context The optimal management strategy for men with newly diagnosed clinically localized prostate cancer remains a matter of debate. Numerous series have reported cancer control and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes following treatment with radical prostatectomy (RP). Objective Critically review published oncologic and functional outcomes after RP, and evaluate factors associated with these outcome measures. Evidence acquisition A review of the literature was performed using the Medline and Web of Sciences databases. Relevant reports published between 1980 and 2011 identified using the keywords prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy, prostate-specific antigen, biochemical recurrence, incontinence , and erectile dysfunction were reviewed and summarized. Evidence synthesis Cancer control rates following RP largely depend on the definition of treatment efficacy. While up to 40% of men have been reported to experience postoperative biochemical recurrence on long-term follow-up, death from prostate cancer has been noted in