Recurrent prostate cancer after radical radiation therapy is a common problem with often a long interval from biochemical failure to the time of symptomatic relapse. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the most commonly used intervention following radiation failure and currently is often started immediately after the recognition of biochemical failure in the absence of symptoms. ADT is associated with side effects that can impact on quality of life. It is unclear whether ADT reduces prostate-specific mortality. There is currently insufficient evidence on the timing of ADT with respect to prevention of prostate cancer death and quality of life and cost particularly for men with fast and slow prostate specific antigen (PSA) doubling times.
The general objective of the ELAAT trial is to determine the optimal timing of ADT in men with recurrent prostate cancer after radical radiotherapy.
Consenting patients who have undergone prior radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer and are now experiencing a recurrence will be screened for eligibility. If they are determined to be eligible, patients will be stratified according to PSA doubling time, pre-radiation Gleason Score, previous radical prostatectomy and clinical centre. After stratification, patients will be randomized to immediate versus deferred ADT based on the 1:1 ratio between the two arms.
Patients will be followed indefinitely and assessed formally at 6 month intervals after the date or randomization. Patients will be assessed for recurrent disease (biochemical failure), new primary cancer, complications of advanced malignancy, quality of life and overall survival.
