Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
05:19
A New Technique for Treating Low-risk Prostate Cancer—Super Active Surveillance
Published on: November 7, 2025
Active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer
1Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre 2075 Bayview Ave MG 408, Toronto Ontario M4N3M5.
F1000 Medicine Reports
|August 15, 2012
Summary
Active surveillance for localized prostate cancer defers immediate treatment for low-risk cases, managing risks of overtreatment. This approach balances treatment side effects against potential disease progression, prioritizing watchful waiting.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
Background:
- Active surveillance is a strategy for managing localized prostate cancer.
- It addresses the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment associated with low-risk prostate cancer.
- The approach acknowledges the slow progression of many prostate cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the principles of active surveillance for localized prostate cancer.
- To balance the risks of overtreatment with the potential for disease progression.
- To provide an alternative to immediate radical therapy for low-risk prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Initial expectant management instead of immediate therapy.
- Deferral of curative-intent treatment until evidence of progression.
- Close follow-up for low-risk prostate cancer.
- Consideration of atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) management.
Main Results:
- Active surveillance is a viable strategy for select prostate cancer patients.
- It mitigates the harms of overtreatment for low-risk disease.
- Defers aggressive intervention until clear signs of progression are observed.
Conclusions:
- Active surveillance offers a balanced approach to managing localized prostate cancer.
- It is a prudent strategy for low-risk prostate cancer, avoiding unnecessary interventions.
- This method requires careful monitoring to detect disease progression.
