On Cancer: When Do No Harm Means Do Nothing: Managing Risks

We are pleased that our August 14 post about active surveillance of low-risk prostate cancer generated such a meaningful discussion about the options available for dealing with the disease. Thanks to everyone who commented!

Many of the comments have appropriately focused on the concept of risk, which is highly relevant for the discussion. Virtually every decision we make as surgeons or patients involves some type and degree of risk. Treatment involves risks, no treatment involves risks. We cannot avoid or eliminate that risk. What we can try to do is to minimize it.

Active surveillance is a risk-based strategy that identifies men who will benefit from prostate cancer treatment while carefully monitoring those who likely will not. Before we recommend it to a patient, we try to understand his cancer to the full extent current technology allows.

This usually means obtaining various imaging studies such as a prostate MRI as well as performing a repeat biopsy to be sure we have not overlooked a more significant cancer. Genomic testing of the biopsy specimen has recently been developed and can aid in determining the aggressiveness of a given prostate cancer.

Once someone is placed on active surveillance the work does not end there. Careful monitoring with frequent examinations and testing is mandatory.

None of this can eliminate all risk or guarantee a perfect outcome, but it can be part of a successful strategy that balances a variety of factors and concerns that are unique to each patient.