Active Surveillance Method and Current Treatment Approaches in Prostate Cancer
Experts state that the same treatment is not applied to every patient with prostate cancer, and patients in appropriate risk groups can be safely monitored through active surveillance.
Prof. Dr. Sinharib Çitgez, a faculty member at the Department of Urology, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, stated in a statement regarding September 15 Prostate Cancer Awareness Day that appropriate low-risk and selected intermediate-risk patients can be safely monitored with active surveillance without surgery.
Active Surveillance and Treatment Approach
Stating that the same treatment approach is not applied to every patient with prostate cancer, experts express that the disease can be evaluated in more detail thanks to advancements in diagnostic methods. It is emphasized that appropriate patients can be safely monitored for years without surgery.
Developments in Surgical Techniques
It is stated that with the transition from open surgeries to laparoscopic and robotic systems, more precise interventions can be performed through smaller incisions. It is noted that methods such as Retzius-sparing surgery and the Hood technique provide advantages in preserving urinary control and sexual functions.
Advanced Diagnostic and Imaging Methods
Thanks to prostate MRI, MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy, PSMA PET technology, next-generation biomarkers, and genetic tests, the aggressive course of the tumor can be predicted. These technological facilities ensure that active surveillance provides results as safe as surgery in appropriate low-risk and selected intermediate-risk patients.
Risk Factors and PSA Level
It is particularly emphasized that the PSA value alone is not sufficient in the evaluation of prostate cancer, while obesity and smoking negatively affect the course of the disease.