High-Risk prostatE Cancer radiatiOn Versus surgERy

Prospective cohort study comparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and external beam radiotherapy combined with androgen deprivation therapy for high-risk non-metastatic prostate cancer in terms of health-related quality of life, functional outcomes, cost-effectiveness, progression-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival.

Detailed description: Robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) combined with Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) are widely used treatment modalities for high-risk non-metastatic prostate cancer (HR-PCa). Both treatments are associated with adverse effects and can have a great impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). To date there is no consensus on which of both is the optimal treatment for men with HR-PCa, as it is unclear which treatment is superior in terms of HRQoL, cost-effectiveness, progression-free survival (PFS) and distant metastases-free survival (DMFS). This is reflected in substantial variation between individual hospitals in the utilization of both treatment options that is not explained by patient- and tumor characteristics or patient preferences. In the RECOVER study we aim to address this knowledge gap. The insights gained can be used to tailor recommendations in (national) guidelines and in shared decision-making tools. This allows healthcare professionals to better inform their patients and allows patients to make well-informed choices.