No superior prostate cancer treatment

AORN Journal,  April, 2008  

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A new report concludes that scientific evidence has not established surgery or any other single treatment as the superior treatment for all men with prostate cancer, according to a February 4, 2008, news release from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. In 2007, approximately 218,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and approximately 27,050 of these men died from the disease. The primary goals of treatment are to determine whether an intervention is needed to prevent death and disability and to minimize complications. Treatment choices often take into account a patient's age, race, ethnicity, health status, family history, preferences, and how quickly the cancer is likely to spread.

The report, based on a review of 592 published articles, compares the effectiveness and risks of eight prostate cancer treatments, including surgical removal of prostate and surrounding tissues, minimally invasive surgery to remove the prostate, external radiation, radioactive implants, destruction of cancer cells through rapid freezing and thawing, removal of testicles or hormone therapy, high-intensity ultrasound, and "watchful waiting." The report is intended to provide unbiased, evidence-based information so that patients, clinicians, and others can make the best treatment decisions.

Outcomes vary for prostate cancer patients choosing surgery; overall, no treatment proven superior [news release]. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; February 4, 2008.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning