Controversy exists about the preferred treatment of patients with high-risk or locally advanced prostate cancer. We examined the intermediate-term cancer control and quality-of-life outcomes after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in selected patients.

From 1984 to 2003, 288 men with Stage cT2b (Gleason score 8 to 10 or a prostate-specific antigen level greater than 15 ng/mL) or T3 disease underwent RRP by a single surgeon. The 7 and 10-year actuarial progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), potency, and continence rates were recorded.

The actuarial 7-year PFS, CSS, and OS rate after surgery was 39%, 92%, and 91%, respectively. The corresponding actuarial 10-year rates were 35%, 88%, and 74%. Only OS differed significantly by age group. On multivariate analysis, the pathologic stage was a significant independent predictor of progression. Ultimately, 31 men (11%) required hormonal therapy, 58 (20%) underwent postoperative radiotherapy, and 67 (23%) received both. Potency and continence were preserved in 64% and 92%, respectively.

Overall, RRP offers excellent intermediate-term cancer control for selected men of all ages who present with high-risk or locally advanced disease. The PFS was significantly greater for men with high-risk Stage cT2b than for those with cT3 disease, but the CSS and OS were similar. Both continence and potency were preserved in most patients, although the potency rates were significantly greater for the younger men. RRP with appropriate postoperative radiotherapy and/or hormonal therapy is a reasonable treatment option for selected men with high-risk or locally advanced disease.