Prostate Cancer Research Study Compares Standard Treatment to Controversial Watchful Waiting Option

Summary

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"The study looks to define the best approach for treatment of patients after a diagnosis of early stage or low-risk prostate cancer," Dr. [Ian Thompson, M.D.] said. "The purpose of this study is to determine whether immediate treatment of prostate cancer is better than delayed intervention for any evidence of prostate cancer growth. We have found that active surveillance is often a very acceptable alternative for patients with early stage prostate cancer. In these men, it may mean a reduction in medical costs as well as a reduction in risk of side effects from treatment."

"For some men, they like the idea of treating the cancer, but they don't like the side effects," said Dr. Thompson. "They may also like the lack of side effects of active surveillance but would also be comfortable with treatment. They find themselves having a difficult time deciding which way to go; for these men, participation in the study solves the problem with reaching a decision because it is made for them. Both options have good outcomes for localized, nonaggressive cancer and include very careful follow-up care."

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Prostate Cancer Research Study Compares Standard Treatment to Controversial Watchful Waiting Option

With an estimated one in six American men being diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives and only one in 35 estimated to die of the disease, some resea...

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