Researchers at St. Mary’s Seoul Hospital have discovered that surgical treatment showed a much higher survival rate than hormonal therapy in treating prostate cancer.

Professors Lee Ji-yeol (left) and Ha U-shin

A research team at the hospital, led by Professors Lee Ji-yeol and Ha U-shin, analyzed the risks of death in 4,538 prostate cancer patients who received surgery or hormone therapy. The researchers used 2007-2009 data from the National Health Insurance Service for their research.

The researchers confirmed a similar result when dividing the patients by stage – non-invasive and invasive -- and age, those under 75 and over 75. Notably, the team saw that surgical treatment could also reduce the risk of death in advanced prostate cancer patients aged 75 years or older.

Also, the analysis of adverse events by each treatment group confirmed that the risk of severe side effects affecting survival, such as myocardial infarction and osteoporosis, increased by 1.6 times in patients with hormone therapy.

“The study may provide clinical evidence that aggressive surgical treatment should be the first priority in treating prostate cancer,” Professor Lee said. “The study may become important research that suggests new treatment recommendations for prostate cancer patients, especially for Asians.”

Professor Ha also said, “Surgical treatment can be considered as a treatment option for patients aged 75 years or older and in patients suffering from prostate cancer stage 3 and beyond.”

The Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network published the results of the research in its May edition.

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