25-year perspective on prostate cancer: Conquering frontiers and understanding tumor biology

Urol Oncol. 2021 Sep;39(9):521-527. doi: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.04.016. Epub 2021 Jul 12.

Abstract

Major changes in the field of prostate cancer over the last 25 years include the implementation of prostate specific antigen screening and the recognition that BRCA confers hereditary risk of prostate cancer. Quality of life and survivorship have driven risk stratification for localized prostate cancer, facilitated by molecular signatures and leading to increased acceptance of active surveillance as a mainstream treatment option. Advances in technology have improved efficacy and reduced toxicity in both radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. Improved understanding of the androgen receptor has yielded substantially more effective therapies. Future growth areas include personalized treatment based on genomic and genetic information, theranostics radiopharmaceuticals, and more aggressive treatment of metastatic disease to include focal therapy. Multidisciplinary management between specialized urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists remains central to maximizing patient outcomes.

Keywords: Active surveillance; Androgen receptor; Chemotherapy; Prostate cancer; Radiation therapy; Radical prostatectomy; Robotic surgery; Survivorship.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Oncology / history
  • Medical Oncology / methods
  • Medical Oncology / trends
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / history
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Time Factors
  • Urology / history
  • Urology / methods
  • Urology / trends