[Prostate carcinoma--a current review]

Carcinoma of the prostate is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. The natural history and the biological aggressiveness are primarily determined by tumor volume. At the time of diagnosis, only one third of all tumors are pathologically confined to the prostate and eligible for curative therapy. Early detection by the general practitioner with prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal examination should be the primary goal. Currently, diagnosis is best established by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies. For the treatment of localized prostate cancer, men who undergo radical retropubic prostatectomy have been shown to have superior long-term results when compared to those who have received radiation therapy. With an improved understanding of the prostatic anatomy and nerve-sparing surgical techniques, morbidity from impotence and incontinence are minimal. In advanced carcinoma, 70 to 80% of men initially respond well to androgen withdrawal. Unfortunately, androgen-independent cells will continue to multiply, leading to tumor progression and death. Until effective chemotherapeutic agents are developed, we can only achieve palliation in advanced disease.