Pathological issues in biopsy specimens of men with prostate cancer eligible for active surveillance

Active surveillance (AS) is an important management option for men with lowrisk, clinically localized prostate cancer. The clinical parameters for patient selection and definition of progression for AS protocols are evolving as data from several large cohorts become mature. Vital to this process is the critical role pathologic parameters play in identifying appropriate candidates for AS. These findings need to be reproducible and accurately reported by pathologists. Repeated biopsy after initial diagnosis of prostate cancer is recommended before inclusion in active surveillance for early detection of significant cancer.