Our results of active surveillance for localized prostate cancer patients.

Objective: Active surveillance has become a management option for low-risk prostate cancer patients, while keeping the curative treatment option available. In this study, we evaluated the our results of active surveillance for localized prostate cancer patients.

Material And Methods: Patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who chose an active surveillance protocol were followed with PSA measurements, digital rectal examinations, and TRUS-guided biopsies. The patients' data and rebiopsy results were evaluated. The results were compared with the results of the patients who had definitive treatment.

Results: Forty-one patients on active surveillance and 34 patients with at least one rebiopsy were included in the study. Twenty-seven patients who had more than one rebiopsy were followed for an average of 27.7 (12-78) months. Twelve patients (44.4%) had undergone definitive treatment including radical prostatectomy (n=9), and radiotherapy (n=3). There were 17 patients under surveillance after a second biopsy, and 9 (33%) of them had a third biopsy. Among these 9 patients, 7 patients were kept under surveillance, and 2 (7%) them had a fourth biopsy. Active surveillance of 15 out of 17 patients who have not undergone definitive treatment is still ongoing.

Conclusion: Active surveillance is a treatment option refrains low-risk prostate cancer patients from the complications of an early or unnecessary definitive treatment and related reduction in the quality of their lives. while keeping the curative treatment option available. Active surveillance can be applied safely with the appropriate patient selection, regular examinations and tests.