Influence of pelvic lymph node dissection and node‐positive disease on biochemical recurrence, secondary treatment, and survival after radical prostatectomy in men with prostate cancer

Abstract Background The benefit of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) at radical prostatectomy (RP) remains unclear given the low prevalence of known nodal disease (pN1) and concerns about its therapeutic utility. Objective To characterize the impact of PLND and secondary treatment on oncologic outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants Cohort study of men who underwent primary RP with PLND for prostate cancer (PCa) at our institution since 2003. Men stratified by nodal status. Outcome Measures and Statistical Analysis Outcomes include biochemical recurrence‐free survival (bRFS), overall survival, and PCa‐specific mortality (PCSM). Multivariable Cox regression models used for each outcome. Results and Limitations Of 1,543 men who underwent primary RP, 174 (11%) had pN1 disease. Median follow‐up was 34 months (interquartile range, 15–62). Seven‐year outcomes were similar whether less than or ≥14 LNs dissected. Among node‐positive patients, 29% had undetectable (UDT) prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), 11% had UDT PSA + adjuvant therapy, and 60% had detectable PSA, and 7‐year bRFS differed (75% for UDT PSA, 90% for UDT + adjuvant therapy, 38% for detectable PSA, p < .01). Survival outcomes did not differ. In multivariable analysis, detectable PSA (vs. UDT, HR 5.2, 95% CI 2.0–13.3) associated with worse bRFS. After salvage treatment, 7‐year outcomes did not differ between groups. Study limited by retrospective review.