Conservative approach to the management of prostate cancer. A critical review

Conservative management of patients with early prostate cancer has received increased attention in recent years. While this approach allows patients to avoid the potential side effects associated with radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy, many men who live 10 years or longer will develop advanced disease with watchful waiting. These patients are likely to suffer significant morbidity due to local or distant cancer progression. Conversely, some patients who receive aggressive initial treatment for localized prostate cancer will also experience morbidity secondary to recurrent or progressive disease despite early attempts at curative therapy. Therefore, the need for further prospective study to evaluate the relative effectiveness and morbidity of conservative management in comparison with radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy is evident.