AN ANALYSIS OF WATCHFUL WAITING FOR CLINICALLY LOCALIZED PROSTATE-CANCER

Purpose: We reviewed recent series of watchful waiting for prostate ca ncer to place this management strategy in appropriate perspective Mate rials and Methods: We reviewed the literature and analyzed the 9 artic les on watchful waiting published in leading medical journals in the l ast decade. Results: Watchful waiting is probably the best treatment o ption for men with well and perhaps moderately differentiated, low vol ume prostate cancer who have a life expectancy of less than 10 years. However, the conclusions derived from watchful waiting studies of olde r men cannot and should not be applied to younger, healthier men or to those with more advanced or aggressive disease. If treated ineffectiv ely, many of these men will die of prostate cancer. Conclusions: Most men with prostate cancer who have a life expectancy greater than 10 to 15 years should be treated with curative intent.