Posted 12/15/2008 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
The number 15 years comes up because that's a far as the reported studies have gone so far. Several of these studies are continuing and should report their 20 year results over the next 3 or 4 years. The net of the studies is that there is a cumulative recurrence rate of about 9% over the 15 year period they have watched so far.
But you also have to take into account that all of the 15 year results come from procedures performed at least 15 years ago. There have been improvements in treatment already since then, so the true results from procedures performed today may be even better. And, there's the likelihood of further improvements over the next 15 years.
Not much consolation to those of us with the misfortune of recurrence, and my heart goes out to them while I pray not to become one, but there is good reason for hope.