Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
The legitimate role of radical prostatectomy remains controversial. A prospective study was started at the Mayo Clinic in 1950 to evaluate therapeutic usefulness of the operation. Rigid criteria were established for selection of surgical candidates. From 1950 through 1972, 264 patients had radical prostatectomy for cancer at this clinic. Of 115 patients treated by radical perineal prostatectomy at least 10 years ago, 72% have lived from 10–21 years with 57% showing no clinical evidence of the disease. Of 74 patients operated on 15 or more years ago, 54% have survived for 15–21 years and 48% of these survivors appear to be cancer-free. Size and grade of the adenocarcinoma influenced survival. Endocrine therapy, which was deferred until development of recurrence or metastasis, may have increased longevity in some instances. Radical prostatectomy for cancer has both curative and palliative potentialities in properly selected cases. It should be utilized more frequently, rationally, and effectively.
Culp et al. (Thu,) studied this question.