RESUMO
PURPOSE: Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is an effective therapy for alleviating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia; however, is not well studied in patients with concurrent prostate cancer (PCa). We demonstrate a proof of concept for PAE before definitive radiation therapy (RT) in patients with PCa. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From December 2017 to July 2019, 9 patients with PCa underwent PAE for the indication of LUTS from benign prostatic hyperplasia with concurrent PCa. Five received radiation and all follow-ups at our institution and were therefore included in the analysis. Median follow-up was 18 months from the time of PAE. Side effects during radiation were quantified using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events scoring system. Pre- and post-PAE plans were compared in the 5 patients by performing an isovolumetric expansion of the post-PAE plan (treated plan) equivalent to the measured volume reduction after PAE. Patient 1 (PT-01) and PT-02 had prostate RT alone whereas PT-03, PT-04, and PT-05 had prostate with elective nodal coverage RT. Mean doses to organs at risk were compared between the 2 plans. RESULTS: The mean International Prostate Symptom Score reduction after PAE was 13.8 (5.0-30.0; P = .02). The mean prostatic volume reduction after PAE was 23.1% (7.2%-47.7%). There were no Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 3 (severe) or higher during radiation. Post-PAE plans in PT-01 and PT-02 had on average 23.2%, 39.8%, and 22.9% decrease in mean dose across the bladder, rectum, and penile bulb, respectively, compared with the pre-PAE plans. There were no appreciable differences in dosimetry in PT03, PT-04, and PT-05 who had nodal coverage. There was no biochemical failure in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a proof of concept that PAE is a clinically significant adjunctive therapy for alleviating LUTS and achieving significant volume reduction before RT, resulting in decreased radiation-related toxicity from RT for PCa.