Rahul Tendulkar, MD, associate staff, Radiation Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, discusses post-prostatectomy radiation therapy and its impact on reducing prostate cancer mortality.

In a study on monitoring prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, it was revealed that men who had radical prostatectomy with high-risk features will have recurrence up to 50% post-op. Tendulkar observed that as the PSA goes up, the risk of mortality also goes up.

Patients at higher risk for PSA recurrence are those with a high Gleason score, as well as those that have positive margins. Monitoring these patients closely after surgery is key, says Tendulkar, as it helps physicians refer the patient to the appropriate radiation oncologist to go over treatment options.

Earlier intervention, side effect management, and careful monitoring by blood test have been shown to make a difference in detecting recurrence.

The key finding from this study is that there is a varying spectrum of prostate cancer, with some patients that require very aggressive treatment, so this is an important step in individualizing that treatment.

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Dr. Tendulkar Discusses Post-Prostatectomy Radiation Therapy

Rahul Tendulkar, MD, associate staff, radiation oncology, Cleveland Clinic, discusses the side effects of a radical prostatectomy for men with prostate cancer.

A radical prostatectomy can impact men in different ways, says Tendulkar. Erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence are the most common side effects, he says. These side effects can improve overtime. Some studies show that it can 1 or 2 years after a radical prostatectomy for these symptoms to completely subside.

Oncologists and oncology nurses should talk to their patients about how these symptoms impact their quality of life. Each patient may have different priorities and it is important to keep the conversation ongoing.  A lot of times patients may be uncomfortable talking about side effects associated with radical prostatectomy, and oncologists need to be aware of that, says Tendulkar.

Rahul Tendulkar, MD

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Dr. Tendulkar Discusses Post-Prostatectomy Radiation Therapy

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