SIU-ICUD: Management of Lymph Node–Positive Prostate Cancer

Background/Objectives: The management of localized prostate cancer with regional lymph node involvement (N1M0) presents significant clinical challenges. While once considered indicative of systemic disease, improved imaging and evolving treatment paradigms have redefined node-positive disease as potentially curable. This systematic review aims to assess current evidence regarding treatment modalities and outcomes for patients with localized N1M0 prostate cancer. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify studies evaluating therapeutic strategies for N1M0 prostate cancer. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, retrospective analyses, and consensus guidelines. Treatment approaches reviewed included radical prostatectomy (RP) with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT), prostate-only radiotherapy (PORT), androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), and metastasis-directed therapy (MDT), including stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Key outcomes included overall survival (OS), biochemical recurrence-free survival (bRFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and treatment-related toxicity. Results: Multimodal approaches—particularly the combination of ADT with WPRT or adjuvant radiotherapy following RP—were associated with improved survival outcomes. Patients with limited nodal burden and undetectable postoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels derived the most benefit. The use of prostate-specific antigen membrane positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) enhanced detection and guided MDT in oligorecurrent disease. SBRT, simultaneous integrated boost (SIB), and hypofractionated regimens demonstrated promising efficacy with acceptable toxicity profiles. Conclusions: Node-positive localized prostate cancer is optimally managed with individualized, multidisciplinary strategies. Combining systemic and locoregional treatments improves outcomes in selected patients. Ongoing prospective studies are warranted to refine patient selection, optimize treatment sequencing, and integrate novel imaging and systemic agents.