[Limited therapy of prostatic cancer]

When considering treatment options for localized prostatic carcinoma without surgical excision of the tumor, the following aspects have to be considered: tumor stage, age of the patient, surgical risk and personal attitude of the patient towards the suggested treatment plan. The function of the prostate as an exocrine gland can not be conserved by any method aimed at cure. Predominant goal is the eradication of the tumor, and in metastatic disease delaying the tumor progression. Inadequate local tumor control is associated with a poor prognosis. Refined radiotherapeutic techniques are expected to improve local results. Radical surgery is not organ-conserving, but offers immediate information on the completeness of the tumor excision. In principle, the method which yields a higher success rate in tumor control disregarding aims at organ conservation should be preferred.