Prostate cancer harbours the possibility of overtreatment more than any other malignant disease. Due to its slow growth, expected management is an established therapeutic option in newly diagnosed carcinomas. Improved diagnostic methods and the widespread use of PSA lead to earlier diagnosis of cancers that would not adversely affect the life expectancy of the patient, even when they were left untreated. Several statistical models have been published to identify such insignificant cancers; however, all such nomograms suffer from limited sensitivity and specificity. For the indication of expected management, comorbidity and life expectancy must be considered using risk scores and life tables. In general, expected management is a suitable option for elderly patients with low grade cancers. Young patients and those with intermediate or high-grade cancers are most likely to benefit from active local treatment.
Prostate cancer harbours the possibility of overtreatment more than any other malignant disease. Due to its slow growth, expected management is an established therapeutic option in newly diagnosed carcinomas. Improved diagnostic methods and the widespread use of PSA lead to earlier diagnosis of cancers that would not adversely affect the life expectancy of the patient, even when they were left untreated. Several statistical models have been published to identify such insignificant cancers; however, all such nomograms suffer from limited sensitivity and specificity. For the indication of expected management, comorbidity and life expectancy must be considered using risk scores and life tables. In general, expected management is a suitable option for elderly patients with low grade cancers. Young patients and those with intermediate or high-grade cancers are most likely to benefit from active local treatment.