Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a recognized treatment option for prostate cancer both in the primary and salvage settings. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge on cryotherapy for prostate cancer including elements of cryobiology, complications, and oncological outcomes of primary and salvage cryoablation of the prostate. Cryotherapy in the primary setting appears to have a low morbidity profile with most complications being transient and self-limiting. In the salvage setting, the rates of some adverse events are higher than in the primary setting but compare favorably with alternative salvage treatments. Biochemical disease-free outcomes remain challenging to summarize for both primary and salvage cryoablation due to widespread variability in the definitions used. However, as long-term outcomes (cancer-specific, metastasis-free, and overall survival) begin to mature, promising results emerge. Yet, there is significant work to be done to standardize the definitions, candidate selection criteria, and refine the outcome measures. Cryotherapy for prostate cancer is an established technique, supported by favorable results, but in need for further high-quality data.

Duke Scholars

Author Thomas James Polascik Urology