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Localized prostate cancer presents two major conundrums. One is whether to screen for it; the other — whether or not to intervene immediately — is addressed in this observational study, with data drawn from a Swedish national database.
Researchers analyzed records for 6849 men (age, ≤70) with clinically localized prostate cancer; the authors imply that most cases were detected through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. Based on tumor stage, Gleason score, and PSA levels, 39% of tumors were classified as low risk, and 61% were classified as intermediate risk. Most patients had immediate “curative-intent” treatment (radical prostatectomy or radiation), but 30% underwent surveillance or watchful waiting.
Among low-risk patients, cumulati…