Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer of the male population in developed countries. There is a steady increase in the incidence of prostate cancer. Currently there is no evidence to support the use of global prostate cancer screening. Opportunistic screening is carried out by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exam. The diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate. Among the treatment options, active surveillance is an option in patients with low-risk prostate cancer and a longer life expectancy. Watchful waiting is an alternative to androgen-deprivation therapy in locally-advanced carcinoma that does not require local treatment. Active treatment is recommended for patients with localized disease, and includes radical prostatectomy as the only surgical option, which proved superior to watchful waiting. Radiation therapy can be extracorporeal or implemented via brachytherapy as part of primary, adjuvant or palliative therapy. Androgen deprivation is the treatment of choice for locally-advanced disease. In patients with evidence of metastatic disease who have castration resistant prostate cancer, the application of chemotherapy is possible. In conclusion, prostate cancer is a complex disease with many aspects that must be taken into consideration before any decision on therapy or patient follow-up is made.