Patients with localized prostate cancer have a number of reasonable management options. These include surgery, radiation, as well as conservative monitoring without therapy in appropriate patients. Shared decision-making between the patient and the physician can lead to better alignment of patient goals with treatment and more efficient care delivery. The use of patient-directed written decision aids concerning prostate cancer can give patients confidence about their choices, and improve compliance with therapy. Discussion regarding active surveillance should include both the elements and timing of such surveillance, and emphasize the need for compliance.
Sources:
Bill-Axelson A, et al. Radical prostatectomy versus watchful waiting in early prostate cancer. N Engl J Med. 2011 May 5;364(18):1708-17. PMID: 21542742.
Dahabreh IJ, et al. Active surveillance in men with localized prostate cancer: a systematic review. Ann Intern Med. 2012 Apr 17;156(8):582-90. PMID: 22351515.
Klotz L. Active surveillance for prostate cancer: overview and update. Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2013 Mar;14(1):97-108. PMID: 23318986.
Klotz L, et al. Clinical results of long-term follow-up of a large, active surveillance cohort with localized prostate cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2010 Jan 1;28(1):126-31. PMID: 19917860.
Stacey D, et al. Decision aids for people facing health treatment or screening decisions. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Apr 12;4:CD001431. PMID: 28402085.
Thompson I, et al. Guideline for the management of clinically localized prostate cancer: 2007 update. J Urol. 2007 Jun;177(6):2106-31. PMID: 17509297.
Wilt TJ, et al. Radical prostatectomy versus observation for localized prostate cancer. N Engl J Med. 2012 Jul 19;367(3):203-13. PMID: 22808955.
Related Resources:
Patient Pamphlet: Low-Risk Prostate Cancer: Don’t rush to get treatment