Active surveillance for prostate cancer: past, present and future.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

This article reviews recent developments in the use of active surveillance for localized prostate cancer.

Recent findings

The treatment of localized prostate cancer continues to be a major challenge for urologic oncologists. Screening with prostate-specific antigen has resulted in increased numbers of low-risk prostate cancers being detected. Aggressive whole-gland therapy with surgery, or radiation therapy is associated with potentially life-altering treatment-related side effects such as urinary incontinence, bowel toxicity and erectile dysfunction. The goal of active surveillance is to avoid or delay the adverse events associated with prostate cancer therapy while still allowing for curative intervention in the future, if needed.

Summary

Active su

SUBMITTER: Singer EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7473449 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature