Risk stratification and avoiding overtreatment in localized prostate cancer

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Significant morbidity is associated with overtreatment of clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). Risk stratification tools such as novel biomarkers, MRI and risk calculators are useful in predicting which patients would benefit from active surveillance. This review examines current risk stratification tools in localized PCa and the safety of active surveillance in these patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Very low risk, low-risk and favourable intermediate-risk PCa variants may benefit from treatment with active surveillance. These disease categories have been shown (with up to 10-year follow-up) to have survival and cancer-specific complication rates similar to immediate defi..