A BALANCED SURGICAL-RADIOTHERAPEUTIC APPR OACH FOR MANAGEMENT OF PROSTATE-CANCER WITH EMPHASIS ON PSA

The presence of cancer of the prostate does not mean that a patient wi ll succumb to the disease. In fact, prior to the advent of prostate-sp ecific antigen (PSA) testing, the cause of death in 50% of men with de tectable extraglandular cancer was intercurrent disease. No studies ha ve conclusively demonstrated a definitive benefit of surgery or radiat ion over simple observation; therefore treatment complications must ab solutely be restricted to a bare minimum while demonstrating curative effect. This review presents a balanced perspective on the management of prostate cancer which results from non-adversarial, extensive, and continuous interactions between two very active Department (Urology an d Radiation Oncology). Such a multidisciplinary approach fosters relev ant research projects and ultimately benefits patient care.