Active surveillance for prostate cancer: current status and future directions

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Medical Research

Background:

• Active surveillance is an emerging strategy for managing prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa).
• Patient selection is critical for the success of active surveillance protocols.
• This review examines current strategies and selection criteria for active surveillance in PCa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current active surveillance strategies for prostate cancer.
• To identify key features for selecting appropriate patients for active surveillance.
• To provide insights into the evolving role of active surveillance in PCa management.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of active surveillance strategies.
• Analysis of patient selection criteria for active surveillance.
• Evaluation of diagnostic tools used in active surveillance protocols.

Main Results:

• Active surveillance is the preferred treatment for low-risk PCa.
• Emerging data support the use of active surveillance for select intermediate-risk PCa patients.
• Accurate patient selection leads to successful outcomes and reduced comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• Active surveillance involves close monitoring via PSA tests, DRE, imaging, and biopsies.
• It is the standard for very low-grade and low-grade PCa, and for some favorable intermediate-risk PCa.
• Successful active surveillance requires a robust plan, accurate diagnostics, and patient adherence.