Multicenter Phase II Clinical Trial of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients With High-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has proven survival benefits for patients with invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, yet its role for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains undefined. We conducted a multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial of NAC with gemcitabine and split-dose cisplatin (GC) for patients with high-risk UTUC before extirpative surgery to evaluate response, survival, and tolerability. METHODS: Eligible patients with defined criteria for high-risk localized UTUC received four cycles of split-dose GC before surgical resection and lymph node dissection. The primary study end point was rate of pathologic response (defined as < ypT2N0). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety and tolerability. RESULTS: Among 57 patients evaluated, 36 (63%) demonstrated pathologic response (95% CI, 49 to 76). A complete pathologic response (ypT0N0) was noted in 11 patients (19%). Fifty-one patients (89%) tolerated at least three complete cycles of split-dose GC, 27 patients (47%) tolerated four complete cycles, and all patients proceeded to surgery. With a median follow up of 3.1 years, 2- and 5-year PFS rates were 89% (95% CI, 81 to 98) and 72% (95% CI, 59 to 87), while 2- and 5-year OS rates were 93% (95% CI, 86 to 100) and 79% (95% CI, 67 to 94), respectively. Pathologic complete and partial responses were associated with improved PFS and OS compared with nonresponders (≥ ypT2N any; 2-year PFS 100% and 95% v 76%, P < .001; 2-year OS 100% and 100% v 80%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: NAC with split-dose GC for high-risk UTUC is a well-tolerated, effective therapy demonstrating evidence of pathologic response that is associated with favorable survival outcomes. Given that these survival outcomes are superior to historical series, these data support the use of NAC as a standard of care for high-risk UTUC, and split-dose GC is a viable option for NAC.

The effect of urinary diversion on long-term kidney function after cystectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Cystectomy with urinary diversion is associated with decreased long-term kidney function due to several factors. One factor that has been debated is the type of urinary diversion used: ileal conduit (IC) vs. neobladder (NB). We tested the hypothesis that long-term kidney function will not vary by type of urinary diversion. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We retrospectively identified all patients who underwent cystectomy with urinary diversion at our institution from January 1, 2007, to January 1, 2018. Data were collected on patient demographics, comorbid conditions, perioperative radiotherapy, and complications. Creatinine values were measured at several time points up to 120 months after surgery. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (ml/min per 1.73 m2) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. A linear mixed model with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to compare GFR between the IC and NB cohorts over time. Multiple sensitivity analyses were performed based on 2 different calculations of GFR (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation vs. Modification of Diet in Renal Disease), with and without excluding patients with preoperative GFR less than 40 ml/min per 1.73 m2. RESULTS: Among 563 patients who underwent cystectomy with urinary diversion, a NB was used for 72 (12.8%) individuals. Patients who had a NB were significantly younger, had a lower American Society of Anesthesiologists score, greater baseline GFR, better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, lower median Charlson comorbidity index, and were less likely to have received preoperative abdominal radiation (all P < 0.05). Both NB and IC patients had decreased kidney function over time, with mean GFR losses at 5 years of 17% and 14% of baseline values, respectively. The IPTW-adjusted linear mixed model revealed that IC patients had slightly more deterioration in kidney function over time, but this was not statistically significant (estimate, 0.12; P = 0.06). The sensitivity analyses yielded a similar trend, in that GFR decrease appeared to be greater in the IC cohort. This trend was statistically significant when using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Among highly selected patients with an NB, deterioration of kidney function may potentially be lower over time than among IC patients. However, the statistical significance varied between analyses and we cautiously attribute these observed differences to patient selection.

Multifocal Urinary Bladder Paragangliomas With Negative 68Ga-DOTATATE Uptake and Positive 123I-MIBG Uptake.

We report a case of an adult male patient with multifocal urinary bladder paragangliomas, which were negative on Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT scan, but positive on I-MIBG SPECT/CT scan. While the Ga-DOTA analog PET/CT exhibits superior performance in diagnosis and staging of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, our case demonstrates negative somatostatin receptor expression in this rare entity and indicates that I-MIBG SPECT/CT still plays a vital role in characterization of bladder paraganglioma.

Analysis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients' Perspective Through a Third Party-administered Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess patient-reported functional and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes associated with various surgical treatments for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An independent third-party survey was sent to all patients who underwent any surgical treatment for BPH at our institution from January 2007 through January 2013. Overall satisfaction and urinary and sexual outcomes were evaluated using Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) for urinary function, and International Continence Society-Short Form (ICSmaleSF) questionnaires. RESULTS: Four hundred and seventy-nine respondents (response rate, 55.6%) had undergone holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP; n = 214), transurethral resection of the prostate (n = 210), holmium laser ablation of the prostate (n = 21), photoselective vaporization (n = 18), transurethral incision of the prostate (n = 9), and open simple prostatectomy (n = 7). Postoperatively, Sexual Health Inventory for Men scores were not different. However, total IPSS varied significantly among surgical techniques (P < .001). Mean (standard deviation) IPSS was lowest for open simple prostatectomy (4.0 [2.6]), followed by HoLEP (5.8 [5.4]). For individual domains, significant differences were in intermittency (P < .001), weak stream (P = .003), straining (P < .001), and QoL (P = .001). In all these domains, HoLEP had the lowest scores. Regarding International Continence Society-Short Form, we observed a significant difference favoring transurethral resection of the prostate in incontinence (P < .001) and favoring HoLEP in voiding (P = .02) and QoL domains (P = .03). Most patients were satisfied with their surgical intervention, independent of the procedure type. Regret was least in patients who underwent HoLEP (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Patients generally expressed satisfaction with various interventions for BPH. However, those who underwent HoLEP had the best outcomes.

Marital status and prostate cancer outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the influence of marriage on the survival outcomes of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 115,922 prostate cancer cases reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 1988 and 2003. Multivariate Cox regression techniques were used to study the relationship of marital status and prostate cancer-specific and overall mortality. RESULTS: Married men comprised 78% of the cohort (n = 91,490) while unmarried men (single, divorced, widowed, and separated) comprised 22% of the cohort (n = 24,432). Married men were younger (66.4 versus 67.8 years, p < 0.0001), more likely to be white (85% versus 76%, p < 0.0001), presented with lower tumor grades (68% are well or moderately differentiated versus 62%, p < 0.0001) and at earlier clinical stages (41% AJCC stage I/II versus 37%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that unmarried men had a 40% increase in the relative risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality (HR 1.40; CI 1.35-1.44; p < 0.0001), and a 51% increase in overall mortality (HR 1.51; CI 1.48-1.54; p < 0.0001), even when controlling for age, AJCC stage, tumor grade, race and median household income. Furthermore, the 5 year disease-specific survival rates for married men was 89.1% compared to 80.5% for unmarried men (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Marital status is an independent predictor of prostate cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality in men with prostate cancer. Unmarried men have a higher risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality compared to married men of similar age, race, stage, and tumor grade.

Outcome and toxicity for patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: We evaluate long-term disease control and chronic toxicities observed in patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 302 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with image guided intensity modulated radiation therapy between July 2000 and May 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. Risk groups (low, intermediate and high) were designated based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Biochemical control was based on the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (Phoenix) consensus definition. Chronic toxicity was measured at peak symptoms and at last visit. Toxicity was scored based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4. RESULTS: The median radiation dose delivered was 75.6 Gy (range 70.2 to 77.4) and 35.4% of patients received androgen deprivation therapy. Patients were followed until death or from 6 to 138 months (median 91) for those alive at last evaluation. Local and distant recurrence rates were 5% and 8.6%, respectively. At 9 years biochemical control rates were 77.4% for low risk, 69.6% for intermediate risk and 53.3% for high risk cases (log rank p = 0.05). On multivariate analysis T stage and prostate specific antigen group were prognostic for biochemical control. At last followup only 0% and 0.7% of patients had persistent grade 3 or greater gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity, respectively. High risk group was associated with higher distant metastasis rate (p = 0.02) and death from prostate cancer (p = 0.0012). CONCLUSIONS: This study represents one of the longest experiences with intensity modulated radiation therapy for prostate cancer. With a median followup of 91 months, intensity modulated radiation therapy resulted in durable biochemical control rates with low chronic toxicity.

Anatomic site-specific disparities in survival outcomes for penile squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the predictors of cancer-specific mortality of penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) using a population-based database. METHODS: Using data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry, we performed a time-to-event analysis to determine which clinical parameters were useful in predicting cancer-specific mortality. RESULTS: Our cohort consisted of 2515 cases of PSCC diagnosed from 1973 to 2007. The patients were divided into 2 groups: primary tumors of the prepuce (n = 722) and primary tumors of the glans, body, and overlapping lesions of the skin (n = 1793). The median follow-up for the cohort was 39 months (range 1-411). Compared with tumors of the prepuce, tumors of the body (hazard ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 1.00-2.60, P = .05) and overlapping tumors of the skin (hazard ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.83, P = .01) had a greater risk of cancer-specific mortality, even when controlling for age, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results stage, and tumor grade. Furthermore, the disease-specific 10-year survival rate of those with preputial tumors was 89.4% compared with 78.7% for the other 3 groups combined (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Anatomic site-specific disparities for PSCC survival appear to exist. Patients diagnosed with PSCC of the prepuce have greater overall long-term disease-specific survival than patients with primary tumors elsewhere.

Older age does not impact perioperative complications after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

To determine whether men aged 70 years and older had more perioperative complications after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) compared with younger patients, a retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent RARP between March 2004 and September 2009. Subjects were stratified according to age into four groups (age 30-49, 50-59, 60-69, and ≥70 years). American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores were obtained. Complication rates in the perioperative period, transfusion rates, and length of stay were compared. Complications were classified using the previously validated Clavien system. There were a total of 293 patients aged 70 years and older amongst the 1,223 total subjects. ASA comorbidity scores did vary significantly amongst the different age groups, and there was modest correlation noted between ASA and age. There was no statistically significant difference amongst complication rates in men aged 70 years and older (15%) compared with the other cohorts (P = 0.832). There was also no significant difference in transfusion rates (P = 0.170) or length of stay (P = 0.131). Patients with higher ASA scores (ASA 3-4) had more Clavien I-II complications compared with patients with ASA scores of 1-2 (15.5% versus 10.3%, P = 0.03). There was no difference in transfusion rates or length of stay between the ASA scores. There are no more complications in men aged 70 years and older compared with men <70 years of age undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. RARP is a safe treatment option to offer to the selected elderly patient.

Radiation dose escalation for localized prostate cancer: intensity-modulated radiotherapy versus permanent transperineal brachytherapy.

BACKGROUND: In the current study, the effects of dose escalation for localized prostate cancer treatment with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or permanent transperineal brachytherapy (BRT) in comparison with conventional dose 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) were evaluated. METHODS: This study included 853 patients; 270 received conventional dose 3D-CRT, 314 received high-dose IMRT, 225 received BRT, and 44 received external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) + BRT boost. The median radiation doses were 68.4 grays (Gy) for 3D-CRT and 75.6 Gy for IMRT. BRT patients received a prescribed dose of 144 Gy with iodine-125 (I-125) or 120 Gy with palladium-103 (Pd-103), respectively. Patients treated with EBRT + BRT received 45 Gy of EBRT plus a boost of 110 Gy with I-125 or 90 Gy with Pd-103. Risk group categories were low risk (T1-T2 disease, prostate-specific antigen level or=2 factors). RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 58 months, the 5-year biochemical control (bNED) rates were 74% for 3D-CRT, 87% for IMRT, 94% for BRT, and 94% for EBRT + BRT (P <.0001). For the intermediate-risk group, high-dose IMRT, BRT, or EBRT + BRT achieved significantly better bNED rates than 3D-CRT (P <.0001), whereas no improvement was noted for the low-risk group (P = .22). There was no increase in gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity from high-dose IMRT compared with conventional dose 3D-CRT, although there was more grade 2 genitourinary (GU) toxicity (toxicities were graded at the time of each follow-up visit using a modified Radiation Therapy Oncology Group [RTOG] scale). BRT caused more GU but less GI toxicity, whereas EBRT + BRT caused more late GU and GI toxicity than IMRT or 3D-CRT. CONCLUSIONS: The data from the current study indicate that radiation dose escalation improved the bNED rate for the intermediate-risk group. IMRT caused less acute and late GU toxicity than BRT or EBRT + BRT.

Does a history of previous surgery or radiation to the prostate affect outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively whether or not previous treatment to the prostate alters the perioperative outcomes from robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) after the initial 'learning curve', as there are conflicting data on outcomes of RP in patients with previous treatment to the prostate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who had RARP between March 2005 and August 2007, and analysed demographic, perioperative variables and pathological data. In all, 510 patient charts were reviewed, identifying 24 patients with a history of previous treatment to the prostate including transurethral resection or incision of the prostate, transurethral microwave therapy, transurethral needle ablation, photoselective vaporization, simple prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and open bladder neck reconstruction (group 1) and 486 with no previous treatment (group 2). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in body mass index, clinical stage, grade or prostate volume, but the patients in group 1 were older (70 vs 65 years, P = 0.001). Outcome analysis comparing groups 1 and 2 showed an estimated blood loss of 155 vs 137 mL, length of hospital stay of 2.2 vs 1.5 days, operative duration of 200 vs 186 min and catheter time of 12 vs 8 days, respectively; only the last was statistically significant (P = 0.03). There was an 8.3% and 6.8% complication rate in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and the respective overall positive margin rate was 20.8% and 22.6%. CONCLUSIONS: A history of previous treatment of the prostate does not appear to compromise the perioperative outcomes of RARP.

Bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy for significantly enlarged polycystic kidneys: a technique to optimize outcome in the largest of specimens.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy (BLN) for symptomatic autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), as surgical management of massively enlarged polycystic kidneys can be a daunting task. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing BLN for ADPKD. Patient demographics, indications for the procedure, perioperative data, and pathological data were analysed. RESULTS: In all, 12 patients underwent BLN at our institution; eight were performed before transplant, three after transplant, and one with a concomitant kidney transplant. Indications for surgery included abdominal pain, fullness and early satiety, recurrent urinary tract infections, and need for space for future transplant. The mean patient age was 49.6 years, with a body mass index of 27.0 kg/m(2). The mean operative duration was 214 min, estimated blood loss was 169 mL, and the hospital stay was 4 days. There were no conversions to open surgery. The mean (range) pathological kidney mass was 2243 (656-4200) g on the left and 2379 (789-5042) g on the right. No patients with a previous renal transplant had deterioration in postoperative renal function. There was one minor intraoperative complication, one postoperative complication, and one patient with preoperative anaemia required a blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic patients with ADPKD due to massively enlarged kidneys should be considered for BLN when performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. This includes patients with an existing renal allograft and candidates for concomitant transplantation. The approach should be tailored to avoid injury to adjacent structures secondary to displacement from the mass effect of these kidneys.

The male sling for post-prostatectomy incontinence: mean followup of 18 months.

PURPOSE: We review our experience with 42 consecutive patients undergoing the bone anchored male sling procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed, and complete data and followup were available in 38 of the 42 patients. Success was defined as wearing 1 thin pad or less per day, or social continence. Variables such as severity of incontinence, age, detrusor overactivity, previous artificial urinary sphincter, history of radiation and intraoperative flow pressures were analyzed for success and risk of failure. RESULTS: With a mean followup of 18 months (range 6 to 26), 39.5% (15 of 38) were considered a success (socially continent). A statistically significant trend in the degree of preoperative incontinence predicting success was identified. Social continence in mild, moderate and severe cases was achieved in 67%, 50% and 0%, respectively (p =0.001/95% CI). Only 15.8% of patients were completely dry and not wearing pads. Significant perineal pain was reported in the early postoperative period but resolved in all patients. Infection occurred in 3 patients with erosion found in 1. CONCLUSIONS: Although these results are not as encouraging as previous reports, carefully selected patients with mild to moderate incontinence are good candidates for the male sling. Patients with a history of radiation, previous artificial urinary sphincter or severe incontinence should be counseled about the higher risk of treatment failure. Patients should be informed of the possibility of progressive failure with time and the occurrence of significant perineal pain in the early postoperative period.

Salvage radiotherapy for men with isolated rising PSA or locally palpable recurrence after radical prostatectomy: do outcomes differ?

OBJECTIVES: To compare, in a retrospective analysis, the outcome of salvage external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for isolated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) elevation or palpable local recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: We evaluated 102 men who underwent EBRT from 1993 to 1999, 60 for a rising PSA level alone and 42 for palpable local disease after RP. Biochemical disease-free survival and overall survival were calculated. Prognostic factors were evaluated to determine associations with biochemical disease-free survival. RESULTS: The 5-year rate of biochemical disease-free survival, local control, freedom from distant metastasis, and overall survival for all 102 patients was 38%, 94%, 87%, and 88%, respectively. All palpable disease resolved completely after salvage EBRT. The greatest 5-year rate of biochemical control (69%) was obtained in patients with a pre-EBRT PSA level of 0.5 ng/mL or less. The 5-year overall survival rate was significantly better for those who underwent salvage EBRT for a rising PSA level than for those with palpable recurrence (96% versus 78%, P = 0.02). A low pre-EBRT PSA level and a less than 2-year interval from RP to EBRT were independent predictors of biochemical failure. Five patients (5%) experienced chronic grade 3 or 4 RT-related toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage EBRT provides excellent local control of recurrent disease after RP. Salvage EBRT before the development of palpable local disease may confer a survival benefit and decrease the risk of metastasis, and durable biochemical control was achieved best in those whose pre-EBRT PSA level was 0.5 ng/mL or less. Early referral and careful patient selection is vital for salvage EBRT to be of optimal benefit.

Complications of laparoscopic nephrectomy: the Mayo clinic experience.

PURPOSE: We present the incidence of complications and conversions during laparoscopic nephrectomy performed for various indications and discuss methods to help prevent future complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1999 to February 2003 at our institution 285 laparoscopic nephrectomy cases were performed, consisting of 113 radical nephrectomies, 101 donor nephrectomies, 27 simple nephrectomies, 23 partial nephrectomies and 21 nephroureterectomies. We reviewed the data base of patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy to examine complications and analyze factors related to conversion to an open surgical procedure. RESULTS: Major complications occurred in 16 patients (5.6%). Major complications were surgical in 12 patients and medical in 4. Of the major surgical complications 3, 6, 1, 1 and 1 occurred during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, donor nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, simple nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy, respectively. The predominant major surgical complication was bleeding requiring conversion to an open surgical procedure. The overall conversion rate was 4% (12 patients), consisting of 6 emergency and 6 elective conversions. The remaining 27 patients experienced minor surgical or postoperative medical problems, such as urinary retention or wound infection. The mortality rate in our series was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic renal surgery is becoming a routine procedure in the armamentarium of many urologists. Complications that are unique to laparoscopy exist but they should decrease with time with repetition and experience. We have learned many different precautions and procedures that should help decrease the risk of future complications associated with laparoscopic renal surgery.

Salvage radiotherapy for palpable, locally recurrent prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: A retrospective study to evaluate the outcome of salvage radiotherapy (RT) for clinically apparent, palpable prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-two patients underwent RT for clinically apparent recurrent prostate cancer after RP between 1993 and 1999. The end points and treatment variables of biochemical disease-free survival were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 4.3 years. All 42 patients experienced resolution of clinically detectable recurrence within 1 year after RT. The 5-year biochemical disease-free survival, local control, freedom from distant metastases, and overall survival rate was 27%, 94%, 82%, and 78%, respectively. The initial pathologic stage (T3 or T4; p = 0.04) and interval (<2 years from RP to RT; p = 0.01) were independent predictors of biochemical failure, and RT simulation without contrast (p = 0.05) was nearly significant on multivariate analysis. Three patients (7%) experienced chronic Grade 3 or 4 RT-related toxicity. CONCLUSION: Salvage prostate bed RT for clinically apparent locally recurrent prostate cancer after RP provides effective local tumor control with modest durable biochemical control. Patients irradiated with a better simulation technique were found to have a more favorable outcome. A consensus on a definition of biochemical disease-free survival after salvage RT is critical for meaningful comparison of the available data and to future progress in treating this disease process.

Radiotherapy for men with isolated increase in serum prostate specific antigen after radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: In this retrospective study we determined the results of salvage external beam radiation therapy (RT) to the prostate bed for isolated increase of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) after radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients underwent RT for PSA failure after radical prostatectomy from 1993 to 1999. Median followup was 51 months. Biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS) with a serum PSA of 0.3 ng/ml or less was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Potential prognostic factors were evaluated for significant associations with bDFS. RESULTS: Median PSA before RT was 0.69 ng/ml. Median radiation dose was 64.8 Gy. The 5-year actuarial bDFS was 45%. There were 32 patients with a minimum followup of 4 years (median 73 months) who experienced a 5-year bDFS rate of 43%. PSA before RT (p = 0.016), RT dose (p = 0.026), surgical margin involvement (p = 0.017) and Gleason score (p = 0.018) were identified as prognostic factors for bDFS. A significant association with bDFS was present at 5 years of 65%, 34% and 0% for PSA before RT less than 0.6, 0.6 to 1.2, and greater than 1.2 ng/ml, respectively (p = 0.036). Patients with PSA before RT less than 0.6 ng/ml and total RT dose greater than 64.8 Gy had improved bDFS at 5 years compared to all others (77% vs 32%, p = 0.04). Of 60 patients 3 (5%) experienced chronic grade 3 toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal benefit from salvage RT was achieved in patients with a PSA less than 0.6 ng/ml and doses of RT greater than 64.8 Gy. Early treatment with a sufficiently high dose of RT maximizes the potential for salvage.