Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

A New Technique for Treating Low-risk Prostate Cancer—Super Active Surveillance
Published on: November 7, 2025
[Treatment errors involving diagnosis of and therapy for prostate carcinoma]
1Abteilung für Urologie (Prof. Dr. V. Lent), Stiftshospital Andernach. praxis@prof-lent.de
Purpose:
In patients with prostate carcinoma diagnosis and therapy often present problems that are difficult to solve. Perfect results can only be reached by the highest level of professional expertise and required care. In cases of unwanted results and incidences it is asked whether claims of patients against their doctors are justified or not.
Methods:
Claims of patients were reviewed by the commission of experts for medical mistakes of treatment of the state medical board of North Rhine based on objective criteria, out of court and free of charge.
Results:
From 1975 to 1998 only 4 treatment errors were ascertained in patients with prostate carcinoma, 3 concerning the diagnosis and 1 concerning an operation. From 1999 to 2005 the errors of treatment increased by 6S-fold to 26. Mistakes concerned the diagnosis in 18 cases, the indication for operation in 1, the operative technique in 2 and the postoperative care in 5 cases.
Conclusions:
In comparison with the about 50,000 patients in whom a prostate carcinoma is diagnosed and treated in Germany every year the presented cases seem to be singular incidences. However, in the view of the experts, these are the tips of icebergs, since reviews most often are requested when professional disappointment and loss of confidence come together. This can only be avoided when the professionality and carefulness of the doctors is apparent and combined with their sympathy for their patients.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Documentation of Nursing Diagnosis
In some settings, data-driven computerized decision support systems are in place, allowing for more accurate nursing diagnoses. The database within one of these systems includes diagnostic labels defining characteristics, activities, and indicators for nursing. A nurse enters assessment...
Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Several factors...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Treatment Resistant Cancers