Detection of Micrometastases in Lymph Nodes of Patients With Prostate Cancer

Detection of Micrometastases in Lymph Nodes of Patients With Prostate Cancer

The purpose of this study is to set up a model for detecting micrometastases in Lymph nodes of patients with prostate cancer by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and its impact on progression-free survival.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologically confirmed prostate cancer
• Locally operable tumor
• Negative bone scan (obligatory if Gleason Score > 7 or PSA > 20ng/ml
• Karnofsky ≥ 80%
• Age 18 - 75 years
• Informed consent in written form
• Sufficient hematologic, coagulatory and renal function
• Compliant patient and geographic precondition for adequate follow-up given

Exclusion Criteria:

• Manifest secondary tumor
• Organ metastases on CT-scan /MRI or in Histology
• Myocardial infarction or stroke within the last 6 months
• Severe cardiovascular (Grade III - IV according to NYHA), pulmonary (pO2 < 60 mmHg), renal, hepatic oder hematopoetic impairment
• Severe active or chronic infection (z.B. pos. HIV-Antibody-Test, HBs-Ag-detected in Serum and/ or chronic Hepatitis)
• Severe psychiatric disease
• Previous chemotherapy
• Previous pelvine radiotherapy