Not every prostate cancer diagnosis requires immediate surgery or radiation. For some men—especially those with low-risk, slow-growing tumors—the best approach may be to monitor the cancer closely without jumping into treatment.
What Is Active Surveillance?
Active surveillance is a treatment strategy used for men with low-risk or very low-risk prostate cancer. Instead of treating the cancer right away, your doctor carefully monitors it over time to ensure it’s not growing or spreading.
The goal is to delay or avoid treatment until it becomes necessary—without compromising outcomes.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Active Surveillance?
You may be a candidate if:
- Your PSA level is low (typically <10 ng/mL)
- You have a Gleason score of 6 or less
- Your tumor is small, localized, and not aggressive
- You’re over age 65 or have other health conditions
- You prefer to avoid potential side effects of surgery or radiation
How Does Active Surveillance Work?
Instead of surgery or radiation, your cancer is closely monitored through regular check-ins and testing. This may include:
- PSA blood tests every 3–6 months
- Digital rectal exams (DRE)
- Prostate MRI scans to track tumor size and changes
- Follow-up biopsies to confirm the cancer remains low-risk
If your cancer shows signs of becoming more aggressive, you can then transition to treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Active Surveillance?
✅ Avoid Overtreatment
Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never pose a threat to health. Surveillance helps avoid unnecessary side effects.
✅ Preserve Quality of Life
You avoid surgery or radiation and their potential side effects—like urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction—until (and if) they’re truly needed.
✅ Stay Safe and Informed
You’ll still be under expert care and monitored closely to ensure the cancer isn’t progressing.
Are There Any Risks?
Yes. The main risk of active surveillance is that the cancer may progress between check-ups. However, with routine monitoring, this risk is low, and treatment can begin as soon as any change is detected.
That’s why it’s important to work with a trusted, experienced urologist who uses the latest diagnostic tools—like PSA velocity analysis and MRI-guided imaging—to ensure nothing is missed.
Active Surveillance vs. Watchful Waiting
While the terms sound similar, they are not the same:
|
Active Surveillance |
Watchful Waiting |
|
Structured testing and imaging |
Symptom-based monitoring only |
|
Goal: Delay treatment safely |
Goal: Manage symptoms as they arise |
|
Typically for younger men with time to intervene |
Often used in older men or those with serious health conditions |
Dr. Samadi typically recommends active surveillance over watchful waiting for patients who are healthy enough to pursue treatment later if needed.
When to Transition to Treatment
You may move from active surveillance to treatment if:
- PSA levels rise rapidly (PSA velocity)
- Your Gleason score increases
- A follow-up biopsy shows tumor growth
- You develop symptoms like pain, bleeding, or urinary issues
In such cases, Dr. Samadi may recommend robotic prostate surgery, radiation, or focal therapy depending on the stage and aggressiveness.
Why Choose Dr. David Samadi for Active Surveillance?
With decades of experience treating prostate cancer at every stage, Dr. Samadi brings:
- Precision diagnosis and risk assessment
- State-of-the-art PSA and imaging monitoring
- Personalized plans for treatment—only when needed
- Compassionate care focused on quality of life
Whether you’re monitoring low-risk cancer or considering your next step, you’ll never feel like you’re waiting alone.
Considering Active Surveillance? Talk to a Prostate Expert Today
If you’ve been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, active surveillance may be the best option. Dr. Samadi will help you decide with confidence—and monitor you every step of the way.
Schedule your consultation today
Call now: 212-365-5000
212-365-5000