Monitoring men with very low- and low-risk prostate cancers using watchful waiting or active surveillance is a useful approach for a large number of men with localized tumors.
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From Medical Express
Expectant management of very low-, low-risk prostate cancer is effective, but underused
the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:
Using watchful waiting or active surveillance to monitor men with very low- and low-risk prostate cancer is effective in many patients with localized tumors and could prevent aggressive and unnecessary treatments, according to a new study published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, conducted a review of expectant management in men with very low- and low-risk prostate cancer. Active surveillance utilizes repeated testing of PSA and prostate biopsies to monitor for cancer progression. Those who are younger and healthier may benefit most from delaying treatment for the disease. On the other hand, watchful waiting monitors for physical symptoms of disease progression and avoids repeated testing. This option is typically best for those who are older and sicker and will likely die from another cause.
"Active surveillance and other observational strategies have produced excellent, long-term disease-specific survival and minimal morbidity for men with prostate cancer. Despite this, expectant management remains underused for men with localized prostate cancer," review senior author Dr. Mark Litwin, professor and chair of UCLA Urology said
