Modern Active Surveillance in Prostate Cancer: A Narrative Review

Clin Genitourin Cancer. 2023 Feb;21(1):115-123. doi: 10.1016/j.clgc.2022.09.003. Epub 2022 Sep 8.

Abstract

The use of PSA screening has led to downstaging and downgrading of prostate cancer at diagnosis, increasing detection of indolent disease. Active surveillance aims to reduce over-treatment by delaying or avoiding radical treatment and its associated morbidity. However, there is not a consensus on the selection criteria and monitoring schedules that should be used. This article aims to summarize the evidence supporting the safety of active surveillance, the current selection criteria recommended and in use, the incidence of active surveillance, barriers existing to its uptake and future developments in patient selection.

Keywords: Active surveillance; Intermediate risk prostate cancer; Low risk prostate cancer; MRI; Risk stratification.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Morbidity
  • Patient Selection
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Watchful Waiting*

Substances

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen