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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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A New Technique for Treating Low-risk Prostate Cancer—Super Active Surveillance
Published on: November 7, 2025
Active surveillance for low-risk localized prostate cancer
Michael C Large1, Scott E Eggener
1Section of Urology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|December 2, 2009
Summary
Active surveillance is a safe management option for select localized prostate cancer patients. This approach involves regular monitoring, with treatment initiated only if cancer progression is detected, offering favorable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Medical Management
Background:
- Localized prostate cancer management involves surgery, radiation, and active surveillance.
- Active surveillance is a strategy for low-risk prostate cancer, involving regular monitoring.
- Treatment is initiated upon evidence of cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review contemporary data on active surveillance for localized prostate cancer.
- To assess the safety and appropriateness of active surveillance for select patients.
- To highlight criteria for defining low-risk prostate cancer suitable for active surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Review of contemporary clinical data and experiences with active surveillance.
- Analysis of patient selection criteria for active surveillance.
- Examination of outcomes associated with active surveillance and delayed treatment.
Main Results:
- Active surveillance is a safe and appropriate strategy for select patients with low-risk prostate cancer.
- Low-risk criteria typically include PSA <= 10 ng/mL, clinical stage T1-T2a, Gleason score <= 6, and <= 3 positive biopsy cores.
- Short- to intermediate-term follow-up shows favorable outcomes, with a low risk of progression to incurable cancer.
Conclusions:
- Active surveillance is a viable option for well-selected healthy patients with localized prostate cancer.
- Consideration of repeat biopsy is advised due to potential clinical understaging.
- Active surveillance offers favorable overall outcomes and minimizes the risk of incurable disease.
