PCSANM's Position on US Preventative Services Task Force Revised Guideline on Prostate Cancer Screening
However, while PCSANM is pleased with the “C” recommendation embodied in the guidelines, there are weaknesses and omissions. Why a “C” but only for men 55-69? Just because the retrospective studies to date have looked more at that age group than others ignores the fact that because prostate cancer is often slow-growing, one doesn’t see the benefits of screening sometimes for more than 10-15 years. Screening early means fewer chances of developing metastatic disease during those years, so why wait until 55 to start testing? We believe that a man’s first, baseline PSA should be around the age of 45, establishing risk and personalizing future follow up. That risk stratification is critical. PSA is just a data point; it is what you do with that information that is important.
Why does the USPSTF (that worries about over treatment if a man is diagnosed) not recommend genomic testing, MRI, liquid biopsies, and other indolent disease that might lead to active surveillance rather than treatment? Why stop testing at age 70 and classify that as a “D” recommendation? Both the American Cancer Society and National Comprehensive Cancer Network talk about testing for men with at least a ten-year life expectancy– that should be the criterion, not an arbitrary age marker. And veterans, especially those who were exposed to Agent Orange, should be included in the “higher risk” population for earlier testing, along with African-American men and men with a positive family history.
US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) Revised Guideline on Prostate Cancer Screening
US Preventive Services Task Force "C" Grade for Prostate Cancer Testing
Offer or provide this service for selected patients depending on individual circumstances.
Researchers Uncover Mechanism By Which Prostate Cancer Becomes Resistant
Findings are published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
Scientists Discovered a New Molecule that Kills Even the Deadliest Cancer
Targeting a previously undiscovered weakness.
Illinois Law Requires Insurers to Cover Prostate Cancer Screenings
Men will be able to get annual prostate cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket cost thanks to a measure supported by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).
Forgetfulness A Significant Barrier to Oral Adherence in Elderly Patients With Prostate Cancer
Elderly patients receiving novel-androgen hormonal therapies, such as abiraterone and enzalutamide, listed forgetfulness as their No. 1 reason for not taking prescribed pills.
Second Primary Cancers Less Likely With IMRT vs CRT for Prostate Tumors
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer is associated with a lower risk for second primary colon and bladder cancer compared with 3D conformal radiation therapy, according to a study.
Some Men Whose Prostate Cancer Progresses Can Safely Delay Treatment
When the time comes for treatment, up to a third of men still decide against it.
The State of Biopolar Androgen Therapy in Prostate Cancer
Joining Dr. Charles Ryan is Dr. Emmanuel Antonarakis to detail the present state of bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) and where the field going.
Just How Effective Is PSA Screening?
Study finds test has better benefit/harm trade-off than originally thought
Most Men With Low-Risk Prostate Tumors Now Forgoing Treatment
Roughly 60% of men eligible for AS chose that approach in 2021, up from 27% in 2014.
Metastatic Prostate Cancer Survival Improved in Wake of Treatment Advances
The risk for death from metastatic prostate cancer decreased by 25% after 2011 compared with before, investigators reported.