Treatment of Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer with Clinically Positive Pelvic Lymph Nodes (cN1 M0)

Clinical Scenario

This protocol addresses male patients with locally advanced prostate cancer who have clinically positive pelvic lymph nodes (cN1) detected on conventional imaging — such as CT or bone scan — with no evidence of distant metastasis (M0). Approximately 5–10% of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients present at this stage.

Why This Stage Requires a Distinct Approach

Suspected pelvic nodal involvement on conventional imaging, in the absence of bone or visceral spread, defines a clinical subset where locoregional control alone is insufficient. Both the primary tumour site and the regional nodal disease must be addressed concurrently within the treatment plan.

Treatment Overview (Partial)

Current guidelines recommend a combination of image-guided radiation therapy covering both the prostate and the pelvis, alongside long-term systemic hormonal therapy augmented by an additional agent for a defined course. The complete regimen — including specific agents, sequence, and duration — is available in the full structured protocol.

Clinical Goals

The principal endpoints are achieving an undetectable or nadir serum PSA, preventing biochemical recurrence, and halting metastatic progression.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens
References
  1. Approximately 5 to 10% of newly diagnosed PCa patients have synchronous suspected pelvic nodal metastases on conventional imaging (CT/bone scan) without bone or visceral metastases (cN1 M0 stage).
  2. Offer IMRT/VMAT plus IGRT to the prostate plus pelvis in combination with long-term ADT and two years of abiraterone to cN1M0 patients.