Optimal Androgen Deprivation Therapy Combined with Proton Beam Therapy for Prostate Cancer: Results from a Multi-Institutional Study of the Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) combined with radiation therapy benefits intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer (PC) patients. The optimal ADT duration in combination with high-dose proton beam therapy (PBT) remains unknown. Methods: Intermediate- and high-risk PC patients treated with PBT combined with ADT for various durations were analyzed retrospectively. To assess the relationship between ADT and biochemical relapse-free (bRF) rate, Cox proportional hazards models including T stage, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason score (GS), and total radiation dose were used. Results: In the intermediate-risk PC patients (n = 520), ADT use improved bRF (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26&ndash
0.93
p = 0.029), especially in those with multiple intermediate-risk factors (T2b&ndash
2c, PSA 10&ndash
20 ng/mL, and GS 7). In the high-risk PC patients (n = 555), a longer ADT duration (&gt
6 months) conferred a benefit for bRF (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32&ndash
0.90
p = 0.018), which was most apparent in patients with multiple high-risk factors (T3a&ndash
4, PSA &gt
20 ng/mL, and GS &ge
8) treated with ADT for &ge
21 months. Conclusions: Short-term (&le
6 months) ADT is beneficial for intermediate-risk PC patients, but likely unnecessary for those with a single risk factor, whereas ADT for &gt
6 months is necessary for high-risk PC patients and ADT for &ge
21 months might be optimal for those with multiple risk factors in combination of high-dose PBT.