Active Monitoring of Localized Prostate Cancer Found to Reduce Risk of Life-Altering Complications

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Saturday, March 11, 2023, has found that men who actively monitored their low- to intermediate-risk prostate tumors had a significantly lower risk of life-altering complications such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction, compared to those who underwent surgery or hormone blockers and radiation.

The study followed 8,000 men with localized prostate cancer over a period of 15 years. Half of the men were randomly assigned to receive active monitoring, while the other half received either surgery or radiation.

The results showed that men who were actively monitored had a lower risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction, compared to those who underwent surgery or radiation. However, there was no difference in the risk of death between the two groups.

Lead researcher Dr. Mark Emberton of University College London said, “This is the first study to show that active monitoring is a safe and effective option for men with localized prostate cancer. It is important to note that active monitoring is not suitable for all men, and that decisions should be made on an individual basis.”

The study provides long-term evidence that active monitoring of localized prostate cancer is a safe alternative to immediate surgery or radiation. It is important to note that active monitoring is not suitable for all men, and that decisions should be made on an individual basis.