Long-term outcome good in prostate cancer

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study suggests that men with low-grade, localized prostate cancer do not need aggressive treatment.
There are various treatment options for prostate cancer, including radical surgery. In a study from the University of Connecticut, a group of 767 men with localized prostate cancer were followed up for 15 years. Analysis of the findings showed that there was only a small risk of progression of the disease beyond this time. This was true whether the men were treated by observation alone or with hormone therapy.

The study suggest that aggressive surgical treatment of low-grade localized prostate cancer might not be necessary. Watchful waiting seems to work equally well for men with less advanced disease. There is a need for ongoing trials to find out which patients can benefit most from the various treatments available. Meanwhile, the above study is good news for those with early prostate cancer who may not want to have surgery.

Source
Journal of the American Medical Association 4th May 2005 Volume 293 pages 2095-2101

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