What is active surveillance and how does this differ from watchful waiting?
Academic Title: Associate Professor
Board Certifications:
Urology
Active surveillance is recommended for patients with very low risk prostate cancer, in whom cure is possible and planned but only if tumor parameters such as PSA (prostate specific antigen), rectal exam, Gleason score and prostate biopsies worsen, and typically involves a schedule of rectal exam, PSA and prostate biopsy.
Watchful waiting is an older terminology which does not include regular biopsies and typically is recommended in patients who are older and sicker and who we are not planning to be aggressive or cure.