Prostate cancer and active surveillance.

Abstract

This review outlines the different treatment options in localized prostate cancer. This information can be considered alongside other important factors, such as the individual patient's values and situation as well as the potential impact of treatment on his quality of life, in the treatment decision-making process. Taking all these factors into consideration, the data support active surveillance as an appropriate choice in patients with well or moderately differentiated, low-volume prostate cancer who have a life expectancy of less than 10 years. Men with higher-grade tumors and longer life expectancy may be at excess risk of death from prostate cancer managed with active surveillance.