Early prostate cancer may be managed by:
- active surveillance
- watchful waiting
- surgery (radical prostatectomy)
- external beam radiotherapy (including conformal radiotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy)
- interstitial radiotherapy (brachytherapy)
- androgen deprivation
- cryotherapy
- HIFU
Due to a lack of randomised controlled trials and the slow natural history of prostate cancer, the best treatment option isn’t known. As a result the patient's age and life expectancy, PSA, tumour stage and tumour grade are all considered when deciding on a management plan. The patient’s view on treatment options is also an important consideration. Men often include potential side effects of treatment, whether the cancer needs to be removed, and convenience in their decision making process (6).