Defining the optimal treatment strategy for localized prostate cancer patients: a survey of ongoing studies at the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group
2008

Optimal Treatment Strategies for Localized Prostate Cancer

Sample size: 2130 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wendy R. Parulekar, M. McKenzie, K.N. Chi, L. Klotz, C. Catton, M. Brundage, K. Ding, A. Hiltz, R. Meyer, F. Saad

Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group

Hypothesis

Is active surveillance with a radical intervention based on signs of disease progression as good as radical intervention at diagnosis?

Conclusion

The study aims to define the management of low-risk prostate cancer globally and clarify the role of PSA doubling time in decision-making.

Supporting Evidence

  • Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in Canadian men.
  • Mortality from prostate cancer declined at a rate of 2.7% annually from 1994 to 2003.
  • Current treatment options still fail to cure or control disease in a significant proportion of cases.

Takeaway

This study is trying to find out if watching prostate cancer closely is just as good as treating it right away.

Methodology

The study compares active surveillance with radical therapy in a randomized phase III setting.

Limitations

The study's results may vary based on patient and physician willingness to participate.

Participant Demographics

Patients with favorable-risk prostate cancer and a life expectancy of more than 10 years.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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