[Radiotherapy of localized prostatic cancer: follow-up of 48 patients. G.C.C.P. (Cooperative Group for the Study of Prostatic Cancer)].

To evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of curative-intent radiation therapy in patients with apparently localized prostate cancer.48 patients with T < 3 M0 prostate cancer recruited between 1981 and 1985 received regular clinical follow-up for at least ten years or until their death. Radiation therapy was given according to the protocols established by Ray and Bagshaw.Radiation therapy was safe and effective in most patients. The rate of escape phenomenon was less than 10% after two years. Tumor control rates were greater than 80% after five years and 50% after ten years. Unfortunately, local remission, even when prolonged, did not necessarily indicate a complete cure: 20% of local recurrences developed five to 11 years after radiation therapy.Radiation therapy may be the best first-line treatment in men older than 75 years of age and in those whose life expectancy seems shorter than ten years, but should probably not be considered curative.