About The Study: In this study, 10 years after diagnosis, 49% of men remained free of progression or treatment, less than 2% developed metastatic disease, and less than 1% died of their disease. Later progression and treatment during surveillance were not associated with worse outcomes. These results demonstrate active surveillance as an effective management strategy for patients diagnosed with favorable-risk prostate cancer.
Quote from corresponding author Lisa F. Newcomb, Ph.D.:
"Our study showed that using active surveillance that includes regular PSA exams and prostate biopsies is a safe and effective management strategy for favorable risk prostate cancer.
"An important finding was that adverse outcomes such as recurrence or metastasis do not seem worse in people treated after several years of surveillance versus one year of surveillance, alleviating concern about losing a window of curability.
"We hope that this study encourages the national acceptance of active surveillance instead of immediate treatment for prostate cancer."
