Prostate Cancer: Highlights from 2006

ObjectivesThis review provides an overview of the most relevant findings on prostate cancer (PCa) presented at the 2006 annual meetings of the European Association of Urology, American Urological Association, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, which were discussed during the “New Horizons in Urology” closed meeting in Marbella, Spain, in October 2006.MethodsExperts in the field of PCa selected and discussed the most relevant new studies. In addition, the participants’ opinion on two representative case studies was assessed by interactive voting, and results were commented on by the PCa experts.ResultsWith regard to the early detection of PCa, it was shown that there is no real PSA threshold. In addition, studies on active surveillance indicated that this is a feasible strategy for carefully selected patients, but that those patients with a PSA doubling time <12 mo are at elevated risk for PCa-associated progression and death. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that, besides histopathologic data of radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens, Partin tables also are not 100% reliable. Regarding localised disease, interim analysis at 67-mo follow-up showed that radiation therapy is comparable to RP in terms of survival and disease progression. High-intensity focused ultrasound is associated with low morbidity. Finally, intermittent hormonal therapy for advanced disease might be an option for regular practice. Zoledronic acid was found to prevent bone complications in patients on androgen-deprivation therapy.ConclusionRelevant new data on PCa presented at the major 2006 urologic/oncologic meetings have potential to improve screening, detection, and management of this disease.