Cryotherapy for recurrent prostate cancer

2.1.1 Cryotherapy may be used to treat locally recurrent carcinoma of the prostate that has been refractory to other treatments, such as radiotherapy or hormone therapy.

2.1.2 Treatment options for locally recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy are limited and include salvage radical prostatectomy, salvage cryotherapy and salvage brachytherapy.

2.2.1 Cryotherapy may be performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. A warming catheter is initially inserted into the urethra to prevent it being damaged by the cold. Cryoneedles or probes are inserted into the prostate, using imaging for guidance. Temperature monitor probes may also be placed percutaneously through the perineum. Argon gas is then circulated through these needles or probes, generating very low temperatures and causing the formation of ice around the prostate gland which destroys the affected tissue. Newer cryotherapy techniques allow these needles to be removed or repositioned so that the frozen zone conforms to the exact size and shape of the target tissue. After the procedure, a suprapubic catheter is inserted and left in place for 1–2 weeks, depending on the post-void residual urine volume.

2.3.1 Various efficacy outcome measures were used in the studies identified, making comparisons of efficacy across studies difficult. A frequently used marker was PSA, a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate gland. Reduction in the PSA level is used as a marker for ablation of malignant tissue in studies of prostate cancer treatment, together with negative prostatic biopsies.

2.3.2 In one study, lowest level PSA < 0.5 ng/ml was reported in 97% (114/118) of patients who had undergone cryotherapy; in another study, a level of < 0.1 ng/ml was reported in 60% (26/43) of patients. These studies included patients with recurrent prostate cancer or rising PSA levels, and those who were undergoing salvage therapy. After medial retropubic prostatectomy, PSA levels are expected to be < 0.1 ng/ml.

2.3.3 In a study of 43 patients, biochemical-recurrence-free survival (recurrence defined as an increase in PSA level of > 0.2 ng/ml above nadir) was reported as 79% at 6 months and 66% at 12 months; and in a study of 38 patients (recurrence defined as an increase in PSA level of > 0.3 ng/ml above nadir), as 86% at 12 months and 74% at 24 months. One case series reported negative biopsy in 100% (38/38) of patients followed up for a median 82 months. Another case series reported negative biopsies in 79% (87/110) of patients at 6-month follow-up. For more details, refer to the Sources of evidence.

2.4.1 Complication rates varied substantially among the studies and there is some evidence to suggest that complications have decreased with improvements in technique and instrumentation. Among the studies identified, the following complications were reported: impotence in 72% (108/150) and 86% (12/14) of patients; incontinence in 8% (3/38) of patients; and perineal and/or rectal pain in 18% (27/150) to 39% (15/38) of patients. Other reported complications from the case series included fistula formation in 1% (2/150) to 3% (4/118 and 2/59) of patients. For more details, refer to the Sources of evidence.

2.4.2 The Specialist Advisors listed the main complications as urinary incontinence, impotence, rectal injury and fistula formation. However, severe complications are rare and comparison needs to be made with the complication rates in alternative options.

2.5.1 In recommending that further research and audit should address long-term survival, it is noted that prostate cancer patients frequently die from unrelated causes.

2.5.2 There are different types of cryotherapy device, and these may have different safety profiles.

2.5.3 The technology for this procedure is continuing to evolve.