Stage III Prostate Cancer
At Stage III, prostate cancer may have started to extend beyond the prostate into nearby tissues, but not to distant areas of the body. When the cancer remains localized or only locally advanced, the survival rate remains high—close to 100%.
Stage III
III A
III B
III C
Prostate Cancer: T1 or T2, N0, M0 with Grade Group 1 to 4
In Stage III, the cancer is still contained within the prostate and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or other parts of the body (M0). The tumor might be detected either through a digital rectal exam or visible on imaging, such as transrectal ultrasound, placing it in the T1 or T2 category.
The cancer can be classified as Grade Group 1 to 4, with a Gleason score of 8 or less, indicating varying degrees of tumor aggression. The PSA level is at least 20 ng/mL, signaling a higher level of prostate-specific antigen than earlier stages.
Although the cancer remains localized, the higher PSA and grade group suggest a need for more intensive treatment, but the disease has not yet spread to distant organs.
Prostate Cancer: T3 or T4, N0, M0 with Grade Group 1 to 4
In Stage III, the cancer has spread beyond the prostate and may have invaded nearby structures. It could have reached the seminal vesicles (T3), or it may have extended into other tissues surrounding the prostate, such as the urethral sphincter, rectum, bladder, or pelvic wall (T4). However, the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes (N0) or other distant parts of the body (M0).
The cancer is classified as Grade Group 1 to 4, with a Gleason score of 8 or less, reflecting varying degrees of tumor aggressiveness. The PSA level can be any value, and the cancer’s extent of spread into surrounding tissues often dictates the treatment approach.
Prostate Cancer: Any T, N0, M0 with Grade Group 5
In Stage III the cancer may still be confined to the prostate or may have begun to grow into nearby tissues—classified broadly as any T stage. There is no evidence of spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or to distant parts of the body (M0).
The tumor is classified as Grade Group 5, which corresponds to a Gleason score of 9 or 10, indicating a high-grade, aggressive cancer. The PSA level can vary and is not restricted to a specific range.
Because of the high grade, even without lymph node or distant spread, this form of prostate cancer is considered high-risk and typically requires prompt, intensive treatment.