The Particulars: Prior studies have not definitively shown that robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) helps improve cancer control and patient outcomes. Conducting a comparative effectiveness analysis of RARP with open radical prostatectomy (ORP) may help address this research need by establishing the role of surgical margin status and the use of additional cancer therapies.
Data Breakdown: For a study, researchers reviewed data on more than 13,000 men with non-metastatic prostate cancer who underwent RARP or ORP from 2004 to 2009. The incidence of positive surgical margins was significantly lower among men who underwent RARP (13.7%) when compared with those who underwent ORP (18.4%). This difference was driven by variations in intermediate- and high-risk disease. At 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up, RARP was associated with a lower need for using additional cancer therapies.
Take Home Pearls: Among men with intermediate and high-risk, non-metastatic prostate cancer, RARP appears to be associated with an improved surgical margin status when compared with ORP. RARP recipients also required fewer additional cancer therapies after their procedure.
