What type of patient is a good candidate for cryosurgery?
A. This procedure works well in all patients with localized prostate cancer. In particular, it works very well in patients who are at high risk of failing more conventional treatments. Such patients include those with locally advanced tumors (Stage T3), patients with high-grade tumors (Gleason score 8 to 10), and patients with a high initial PSA greater than 15 ng/ml. Cryosurgery is often used in combination with other treatment modalities for high-risk patients to improve odds of success. Cryosurgery is considered to be the treatment of choice for patients who have failed radiation therapy.
