Treatment

Treatment for prostate cancer is based on several different factors

• PSA
• Grade (Gleason Score)
• Stage
• Age
• Low risk versus high risk
• Asymptomatic vs symptomatic

Active surveillance, observation, and Watchful Waiting are all terms used to describe a type of treatment where no actual treatment is done right away. Patients have regular appointments with the physician for a clinical evaluation. These patients are usually asymptomatic, have Gleason score of 6 or less, or Gleason pattern 3+4, and the cancer is confined to the primary site.

Active surveillance is a common first course of treatment for prostate cancer patients. These patients are determined to be low-risk and can be asymptomatic. Patients are also known to choose active surveillance at first to give them more time to decide. Some patients will choose active surveillance and then later choose another form of treatment when symptoms appear, or the cancer has progressed. The treatment given after active surveillance, such as radical prostatectomy or radiation, is second course of treatment.

See the Prostate Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - NCI or the Prostate Cancer - Guidelines Detail for more complete information on treatment for prostate cancers. Both these websites are updated regularly with current clinical practices.

Updated: June 15, 2026