Responders and Nonresponders to Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis

Abstract
We attempted to identify any parameter that could possibly lead to a successful treatment outcome after transurethral microwave thermotherapy. Clinical parameters and treatment profiles of 292 patients were analyzed in a retrospective multicenter manner. Responder and nonresponder groups were identified according to a given definition. No statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics were found. Responders showed a 76 percent symptomatic improvement rate compared to 27 percent in nonresponders, and an 82 percent improvement rate in peak flow compared to a 5 percent decrease in nonresponders. Responders also showed a significantly greater increase in posttreatment PSA level and a significantly greater amount of energy released during treatment. No baseline clinical parameter is capable of predicting treatment outcome.