Dr. Barocas on the CEASAR Trial in Localized Prostate Cancer

Daniel A. Barocas, MD, MPH, FACS, an associate professor in the Department of Urology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses the Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Surgery and Radiation (CEASAR) trial in localized prostate cancer.

Barocas led a study in which investigators followed men with prostate cancer from diagnosis on. Patients were given self-reported questionnaires regarding adverse events (AEs). Taken collectively, investigators concluded that each treatment has a unique AE profile. For example, erectile dysfunction and urinary leakage are more likely to result from surgery. Erectile dysfunction is also a concern with radiation. Though, it appears to be a gradual decline with radiation compared with surgery, says Barocas.

At 5 years, many of the resulting AEs taper off, adds Barocas. Though, the risk of urinary incontinence is still higher in patients who undergo surgery versus those who don’t.