Population-Based Assessment of Determining Treatments for Prostate Cancer

Given the variable nature of prostate cancer and the multiple treatment options suggested by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for low-, intermediate-, and highrisk prostate cancer,1 discerning what factors influence treatment choice is essential for understanding how to optimize the appropriate use of treatments and cancer outcomes. In the early 1990s, the pendulum had swung following the introduction of widespread prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening and the annual number of radical prostatectomy procedures doubled, while “watchful waiting” became an approach for caring for older patients and men with comorbid illnesses. A comprehensive update on patterns of care for older men (>65 years) in the mid 2000s, where attitudes regarding expectant management for prostate cancer, is welcome and needed.2 Chamie et al2 provide such an update. They highlight 3 prominent patterns of care when evaluating data for more than 37 000 older men with prostate cancer diagnosed between Related article page 60 Treatments for Prostate Cancer Original Investigation Research