Longitudinal analysis of trifecta outcome in Japanese patients with prostate cancer following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Purpose To analyze the trifecta outcome (continence, potency, and cancer control) longitudinally using robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP). Method We prospectively obtained 1-year longitudinal Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) data (preoperative and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after RARP) from 291 patients who underwent RARP by a single surgeon. Continence was defined as the use of 'zero or one pads'. Potency was defined as the ability to achieve and maintain satisfactory erections firm enough for sexual activity or sexual intercourse. Continence and potency were subjectively determined from patient-reported outcomes (EPIC question nos. 5 and 18). The biochemical recurrence (BCR) rate was defined as two consecutive PSA levels of > 0.2 ng/mL after RARP. Outcomes of the pentafecta were complications and positive surgical margins combined with the trifecta outcomes. Results Trifecta was achieved in 4.6, 5.6, 8.1, and 9.6% of all patients at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. Pentafecta rates were 2.3, 3.0, 5.1, and 6.1%, respectively. Trifecta rates in the nerve-sparing (NS) group were 12.5, 12.7, 18.9, and 23.6%, respectively. The BCR-free rates maintained a high level and were 94.4, 93.9, 93.9, and 90.9%, respectively. Continence rates were improved to 55.2, 75.5, 81.6, and 85.0%, while the potency rate was extremely low at 7.5, 7.8, 9.8, and 10.9%. Even in the NS group, potency rates remained low at 18.1, 18.6, 21.9, and 26.1%, respectively. Conclusion This longitudinal analysis of trifecta outcomes may be beneficial and should be used when counseling patients with clinically localized PCa.