BACKGROUND: Active surveillance (AS) represents an expectant treatment strategy for clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) with low-risk features.
OBJECTIVE: The actual management as well as the pros and cons of AS were evaluated.
METHODS: A systematic review of the recent literature was performed using the Medline databases.
CONCLUSIONS: Since a substantial number of men die with rather than from PCa, there is a considerable role for AS in carefully selected men. AS may also represent a strategy to reduce the burden of overtreatment rooted in intensified PSA testing. Facing the imprecision of risk stratification based on transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, accurate clinical staging represents a major medical challenge. Counseling and care require empathy as well as a profound understanding of the biology and the natural history of PCa.
Written by:
Augustin H, Mayerhofer K, Seles M, Pummer K. Are you the author?
Department of Urology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Reference: Urol Int. 2015 Mar 17. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1159/000371895
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25791432