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A New Technique for Treating Low-risk Prostate Cancer—Super Active Surveillance
Published on: November 7, 2025
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Active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer
1Division of Urology Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Current Opinion in Urology
|March 8, 2017
Summary
Active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer is safe and effective, with low cancer-specific mortality. Advances in MRI and biomarkers enhance early detection of higher-risk disease for timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer has evolved significantly over two decades.
- Ongoing research focuses on molecular genetics, clinical outcomes, MRI, biomarkers, and lifestyle modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major developments in active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer.
- To highlight advancements in understanding indolent prostate cancer and its management.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on low-risk prostate cancer.
- Analysis of data on molecular genetics, clinical outcomes, MRI, and biomarkers.
- Evaluation of conservative management strategies and their outcomes.
Main Results:
- Low-risk and some low-intermediate risk prostate cancers are often indolent and clinically insignificant.
- Approximately 30% of newly diagnosed low-risk patients may have higher-risk disease.
- Gleason score extent, Prostate Specific Antigen density, and race predict higher-grade cancer presence.
Conclusions:
- Active surveillance is a safe intermediate- to long-term management strategy for low-risk prostate cancer.
- Cancer-specific mortality is low (0.5-3%) at 10-15 years.
- Refinements with MRI and targeted biopsies aim to improve safety and precision.
