Conservative approaches to the management of localized prostatic cancer

Abstract

Background: The management of early stage prostatic cancer is controversial.

Methods: Pertinent literature concerning the conservative management of early stage prostatic cancer by early endocrine therapy (EET) or by deferred treatment (DT) was reviewed.

Results: EET has not been systematically studied. Available evidence suggests that early stage prostatic cancer often progresses slowly and that DT results in a cancer-specific mortality of approximately 80% at 10 years.

Conclusions: EET warrants clinical investigation. DT is a management option, at least in patients with a life expectancy of 10 years or less.