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Title: Evaluating the Phoenix Definition of Biochemical Failure After {sup 125}I Prostate Brachytherapy: Can PSA Kinetics Distinguish PSA Failures From PSA Bounces?

Journal Article · · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics
 [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Provincial Prostate Brachytherapy Program, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC (Canada)

Purpose: To evaluate the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics of PSA failure (PSAf) and PSA bounce (PSAb) after permanent {sup 125}I prostate brachytherapy (PB). Methods and Materials: The study included 1,006 consecutive low and 'low tier' intermediate-risk patients treated with {sup 125}I PB, with a potential minimum follow-up of 4 years. Patients who met the Phoenix definition of biochemical failure (nadir + 2 ng/mL{sup -1}) were identified. If the PSA subsequently fell to {<=}0.5 ng/mL{sup -1}without intervention, this was considered a PSAb. All others were scored as true PSAf. Patient, tumor and dosimetric characteristics were compared between groups using the chi-square test and analysis of variance to evaluate factors associated with PSAf or PSAb. Results: Median follow-up was 54 months. Of the 1,006 men, 57 patients triggered the Phoenix definition of PSA failure, 32 (56%) were true PSAf, and 25 PSAb (44%). The median time to trigger nadir + 2 was 20.6 months (range, 6-36) vs. 49 mo (range, 12-83) for PSAb vs. PSAf groups (p < 0.001). The PSAb patients were significantly younger (p < 0.0001), had shorter time to reach the nadir (median 6 vs. 11.5 months, p = 0.001) and had a shorter PSA doubling time (p = 0.05). Men younger than age 70 who trigger nadir +2 PSA failure within 38 months of implant have an 80% likelihood of having PSAb and 20% chance of PSAf. Conclusions: With adequate follow-up, 44% of PSA failures by the Phoenix definition in our cohort were found to be benign PSA bounces. Our study reinforces the need for adequate follow-up when reporting PB PSA outcomes, to ensure accurate estimates of treatment efficacy and to avoid unnecessary secondary interventions.

OSTI ID:
21451154
Journal Information:
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Vol. 78, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.07.1724; PII: S0360-3016(09)02925-3; Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; ISSN 0360-3016
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English