Background/aim: Carbon ion radiotherapy is expected to be suitable to treat localized prostate cancer because it yields great biological and physical effects. The aim of this study was to examine long-term results and subsequent outcomes after biochemical failure.
Patients and methods: A total of 254 patients were treated from the beginning of 2003 and followed through 2009. Long-term hormone therapy was also used for some intermediate-risk and high-risk patients.
Results: Among the patients examined, 54 patients experienced biochemical failure. Failure-free survival was 76%, 91% and 76% at eight years in low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk patients, respectively. Clinical progression occurred only in high-risk patients, with 89% progression-free survival at eight years. After biochemical failure, diseases of most patients were well controlled by salvage therapy but twelve high-risk patients (5%) died of prostate cancer.
Conclusion: Carbon ion radiotherapy had an excellent effect on localized prostate cancer. Factors influencing salvage therapy included PSA kinetics and duration between radiation and failure.