Prior cytologic studies have shown cancer cells on the surface of a great number of prostate specimens removed at time of radical prostatectomies. The greater the stage of cancer, the higher the incidence of cancer cells on the surface. The researchers were especially concerned about 4 men who had negative pre-operative evidence of cells in the circulation but developed it during manipulation of the malignant prostate gland. Thus, research suggests a mechanism for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy having treatment failure after surgery. This information is necessary to evaluate current techniques and to propose new treatment methods that would minimize manipulation of the malignant prostate gland, if indeed it is a source of treatment failure.
Radiation seems a rational alternative.