Active surveillance in low risk prostate cancer: Role of multiparametric MRI and cancer progression predictors

Nasser Simforoosh1, Mehdi Dadpour1, Behzad Narouie2

  • 1Shahid Labbafinejad Medical Center, The Center of Excellence in Urology, Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Research Institute for Urology and Nephrology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Urologia
|February 25, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Active surveillance (AS) is a viable option for favorable-risk prostate cancer (PCa), with multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) aiding in progression detection. Key predictors for progression include age and PSA density.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Oncology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Active surveillance (AS) is a management strategy for favorable-risk prostate cancer (PCa).
  • Evaluating AS outcomes and the role of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in detecting PCa progression is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the outcomes of AS in patients with favorable-risk PCa.
  • To determine the role of mpMRI in identifying PCa progression.
  • To identify predictors of PCa progression during AS.

Main Methods:

  • A 5-year follow-up cohort study of 153 favorable-risk PCa patients on an AS program.
  • Inclusion based on AS protocol criteria, with mpMRI as part of the protocol.
  • Assessment of AS adherence and oncologic outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Adherence to AS was 60.55% over a mean follow-up of 4.23 years.
  • Progression occurred in 9 patients, while 100 remained on AS.
  • Predictors of progression included older age, family history, higher PSA density, and more positive biopsy cores.
  • mpMRI showed 55.55% sensitivity and 97% specificity for detecting cancer progression.

Conclusions:

  • AS is a suitable alternative to radical prostatectomy for low- and very low-risk PCa.
  • mpMRI is reliable for detecting PCa progression, especially when combined with biopsy data.