Can we expand the borders in active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer?

Abstract

Purpose: We assessed the outcomes of men with low-risk prostate cancer enrolled in active surveillance. Methods: From January 2008, patients in our clinic who were classified as having low-risk prostate cancer according to the D’Amico classification were included in the protocol. Follow-up consisted of regular prostate-specific antigen tests, digital rectal examinations and biopsies. Outcomes were compared between men who progressed and those who did not, and survival analysis was obtained. Results: The mean follow-up period was 46 months. A total of six patients received curative treatment during follow-up as a result of meeting progression criteria. The mean follow-up time from the beginning of active surveillance until curative therapy was 27.1 months. Four of our 64 patients lost their lives due to diseases other than prostate cancer, none of the patients were lost due to prostate cancer. When patients who showed progression and those who did not were compared in terms of positive core numbers and the core tumour percentage we found no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) Conclusion: Active surveillance seems to be a safe and feasible practice in men with low-risk prostate cancer. Gleason score, clinical stage and initial prostate-specific antigen seem to be the most definite criteria for the selection of patients, while it is thought that the number of positive cores is a matter that can be dealt with more flexibility. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.