Evidence for cure of 'young' men with prostate cancer

A study was undertaken to evaluate the question of cure in "young" men with prostate cancer treated by external-beam radiation. Results in young men ( less than or equal to 65 years) were compared to older men, Biochemical fre edom from failure was examined to 10 years' follow-up, and hazard functions for failure vs tine were reported. Results show that prostate cancer patie nts are cured by external-beam radiation and that there is no difference in results for young or older men, Few failures occur after 5 years' followup and the percentage cured is similar to that with prostatectomy, with much less morbidity. Appropriate dose is necessary to optimize outcome.