Comparing surgery and radiation for high-risk prostate cancer

High-Risk prostatE Cancer radiatiOn Versus surgERy (RECOVER)

Observational Comprehensive Cancer Centre The Netherlands · NCT05931419

This study is testing whether surgery or radiation works better for men with high-risk prostate cancer and how each treatment affects their quality of life and health outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment837 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 75 Years
SexMale
SponsorComprehensive Cancer Centre The Netherlands Academic / other
Locations28 sites (Alkmaar and 27 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05931419 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study compares the outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and external beam radiotherapy combined with androgen deprivation therapy in patients with high-risk non-metastatic prostate cancer. It aims to evaluate health-related quality of life, functional outcomes, cost-effectiveness, progression-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival. The study addresses the lack of consensus on the optimal treatment approach for this patient population, providing insights that could inform clinical guidelines and shared decision-making. By analyzing data from multiple hospitals, the study seeks to clarify treatment effectiveness and patient preferences.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men with histologically confirmed high-risk non-metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma who are fit for either surgical or radiotherapy treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with histological types other than adenocarcinoma or those who have received treatment abroad may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the most effective treatment option for high-risk prostate cancer, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar treatment comparisons, but this study aims to fill a specific knowledge gap regarding health-related quality of life and cost-effectiveness in this patient group.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically confirmed de novo non-metastatic high-risk prostate cancer.
* cT3a-bN0M0, according to the 8th edition of the Tumour, Node, Metastasis (TNM) classification, with the exception that clinical T-stage will be based on digital rectal examination and magnetic resonance imaging (the highest stage will be used) and/or
* International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade ≥4 and/or
* Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) value at diagnosis greater than 20 ng/mL
* Fit for treatment with either RARP or EBRT +/- ADT (WHO performance status 0-1)
* Living in the Netherlands
* Able to read and understand the Dutch language

Exclusion Criteria:

* Histological types other than adenocarcinoma
* Diagnosis and/or treatment in a hospital abroad
* Treatment with Androgen Receptor Targeted Agents (ARTA) as part of the initial treatment plan

Where this trial is running

Alkmaar and 27 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Prostate CancerProstate AdenocarcinomaRadical prostatectomyRadiotherapyHealth-related quality of lifeFunctional outcomesProgression-free survivalDistant metastases-free survival
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.