RESPONDERS AND NONRESPONDERS TO TRANSURETHRAL MICROWAVE THERMOTHERAPY- A MULTICENTER RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Purpose: We attempted to identify any parameter that could possibly le ad to a successful treatment outcome after transurethral microwave the rmotherapy. Materials and Methods: Clinical parameters and treatment p rofiles of 292 patients were analyzed in a retrospective multicenter m anner. Responder and nonresponder groups were identified according to a given definition. Results: No statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics were found. Responders showed a 76% sympto matic improvement rate compared to 27% in nonresponders, and an 82% im provement rate in peak flow compared to a 5% decrease in nonresponders . Responders also showed a significantly greater increase in posttreat ment PSA level and a significantly greater amount of energy released d uring treatment. Conclusions: No baseline clinical parameter is capabl e of predicting treatment outcome.