Management of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: A case report

RATIONAL: How to manage patients with prostate cancer (PCa) with biochemical recurrence (BCR) following primary curative treatment is a controversial issue. Multiple disciplinary team (MDT) mechanism may propose an appropriate treatment plan for patients and can effectively improve patient prognosis and survival, reduce patient diagnosis and treatment waiting time, and greatly improve patient satisfaction. PATIENT CONCERNS: Here, we presented a case of a 77-year-old man with a persistently elevated serum level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), who had a history of radical prostatectomy (RP) and of 9 years endocrine therapy. DIAGNOSES: Castration-resistant prostate cancer and locally recurrent prostate cancer. INTERVENTIONS: Androgen-deprivation therapy was first utilized 2 months after RP, due to the consideration of BCR on May 5, 2007. And during the next 9 years, he was treated with different endocrine agents but failed to maintain serum levels of PSA stable. Finally, the MDT suggested patient to perform salvage radiation therapy (SRT). Under MDT mechanism, we avoid secondary surgery, so as to reduce the patients' mental suffering and cost of patient care. OUTCOMES: EPIC26 scale assessment revealed leak-free urine, good urine control, no defecation abnormalities or blood in the stool, no breast tenderness and breast enlargement significantly improved. The patient now has no adjuvant therapy, including endocrine therapy. The patient achieved good prognosis through local RT. LESSONS: Pelvic SRT for patients with locally recurrent PCa may restore the same radical effect as RP. And more importantly, MDT mechanism plays an important role in making the most appropriate decisions for patients.