Active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Urology

Background:

• Active surveillance (AS) is increasingly recognized for managing low-risk prostate cancer (PCa).
• Overdiagnosis of indolent PCa remains a challenge, necessitating improved detection and management strategies.
• Patient perspectives and quality of life are crucial considerations in AS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer.
• To discuss future directions and optimize AS protocols.
• To address patient selection, monitoring, and care within AS programs.

Main Methods:

• Consensus review based on the Inside Track Conference on Active Surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer.
• Discussion of patient selection, indolent disease definition, and monitoring.
• Exploration of therapeutic agents, patient care optimization, and emerging technologies.

Main Results:

• The need for refined methods to prevent overdiagnosis of indolent PCa.
• The importance of patient-centered care and quality of life in AS.
• The potential of emerging technologies and biomarkers to enhance AS.

Conclusions:

• Active surveillance is a vital strategy for low-risk prostate cancer, requiring continuous refinement.
• Future research should focus on precise patient selection, improved monitoring, and integrating new technologies.
• Optimizing AS involves a multidisciplinary approach considering clinical, patient, and technological factors.