An update on prostate cancer

Consideration of the number of prostate biopsy samples found to be positive for cancer may add clinically useful information to T stage, Gleason score , and prostate-specific antigen level in predicting outcome after radical p rostatectomy. Higher radiation doses and neoadjuvant hormone therapy has be en applied successfully to patients with higher risk disease. Brachytherapy has emerged as a modality for localized prostate cancer with outcomes and toxicity being further defined. Efforts to measure and improve quality of l ife are an important part of prostate cancer research. Standard management of metastatic disease remains androgen ablation, with long-term side effect s being recognized. Newer hormonal and chemotherapeutic agents are being ex plored for patients with metastatic disease. Curr Opin Oncol 2001, 13:204-2 11 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Inc.