PROGRESSION IN UNTREATED CARCINOMA OF THE PROSTATE METASTATIC TO REGIONAL LYMPH-NODES (STAGE T0 4,N1 TO 3,M0,D1)

Purpose: We attempt to contribute to the understanding of the natural history of prostate cancer metastatic to lymph nodes. Materials and Me thods: A total of 61 patients with node-positive prostate cancer was p rospectively followed without adjuvant treatment for an average of 41 months. The impact of T and P categories, grade, tumor volume and pros tate specific antigen change on interval to progression was studied in a univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Median interval to p rogression was 18 months, and correlated with grade and prostate speci fic antigen doubling time. Changes in prostatic volume with time were not predictive. Conclusions: Our study provides insight into the natur al history of node-positive disease and identifies relevant prognostic factors that may be used for treatment decisions.