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Original Abstract of the Article

Key Research Findings

Many studies have been conducted on prostate cancer screening and treatment, and various findings have been reported. 16 evaluated the current prostate cancer screening and treatment paradigm in light of recently published long-term results of major screening and treatment trials. Prostate cancer screening requires a careful balance between benefits, in terms of reduced prostate cancer mortality, and harms, in terms of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. 9 aimed to estimate the effect on overdiagnosis of restricting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing by age and baseline PSA. Also, the results of randomized studies on the early detection of prostate cancer and those of a systematic Cochrane review were compiled and interpreted, showing that there was no reduction in prostate cancer mortality or all-cause mortality but disadvantages such as unnecessary biopsies, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment. A relevant increase in overall mortality cannot be excluded. 10 New evidence from the Health Information National Trends Survey has emerged about patient-provider communication regarding prostate cancer screening and treatment. This study examined the extent of patient-provider communication for PSA testing and treatment of prostate cancer. 23 There are also papers that investigated the cost-effectiveness of PSA-based prostate cancer screening. 6 This review found that PSA-based screening is cost-effective for younger men (≤60 years old) and those with higher PSA levels (≥3 ng/ml). However, further cost-effectiveness analyses reflecting the latest clinical practices and current perspectives on the adverse outcomes of potentially unnecessary treatment are needed, especially from the US government's perspective. Prostate cancer screening and diagnosis have been guided by prostate-specific antigen levels for the past 25 years, but with the most recent US Preventive Services Task Force screening recommendations and concerns regarding overdiagnosis and overtreatment, a new wave of prostate cancer biomarkers has recently emerged. 20 These assays allow for testing urine, serum, or prostate tissue for molecular signs of prostate cancer, providing information regarding both diagnosis and prognosis. Also, a study tried to quantify the outcomes of individuals diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer in a single institution, pointing out that the current prostate cancer screening and treatment strategies may not support a holistic nationwide program. 27 14

Treatment Summary

Treatments for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and more. 16 When choosing a prostate cancer treatment, it is necessary to consider the patient's age, health condition, stage of cancer, and risk factors. 9

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Prostate cancer screening may reduce prostate cancer mortality by allowing for early detection and treatment. 16 However, screening is not necessarily recommended for everyone because it carries the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. 9

Risk Summary

Prostate cancer screening carries the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. 9 Overdiagnosis means diagnosing cancer that would never have caused symptoms or would have only done so in the future. Overtreatment refers to unnecessary treatment for overdiagnosed cancer. Overtreatment can lead to side effects and health problems. 10

Comparison of Studies

Similarities Between Studies

Many studies have pointed out that prostate cancer screening carries the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. 9 10

Differences Between Studies

Specific evaluation methods and results regarding the effectiveness and risks of screening vary among studies. 16 For instance, 6 indicated that PSA-based screening is cost-effective for younger men and those with higher PSA levels. However, other studies found no reduction in mortality from screening. 10

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

Consistent results have not been obtained from research on prostate cancer screening. 16 While some studies suggest that screening may reduce mortality, others indicate that screening carries the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. 9 10 These contradictions could be explained by various factors, such as the age and risk factors of the men being screened, the screening method, and the treatment method. 9

Notes on Applying Research to Real Life

Research findings on prostate cancer screening do not necessarily apply to everyone. 16 The decision of whether to undergo screening should be made in consultation with a doctor, considering the individual man's age, risk factors, health status, and preferences for treatment. 9

Limitations of Current Research

There are still unanswered questions surrounding research on prostate cancer screening. 16 For example, research is still lacking on the long-term effects of screening and the optimal combination of screening and treatment methods. 9 Moreover, the impact of screening on mortality remains unclear. 10

Future Research Directions

Future research on prostate cancer screening needs to explore the long-term effects of screening, optimal screening methods, the combination of screening and treatment methods, and the impact of screening on mortality in more detail. 16 Also, research is needed on measures to reduce the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment caused by screening. 9

Conclusion

Research on prostate cancer screening is still incomplete. 16 Screening may reduce prostate cancer mortality, but it also carries the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. 9 The decision of whether to undergo screening should be made in consultation with a doctor, considering the individual man's age, risk factors, health status, and preferences for treatment. 9

Treatment List

Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Hormone Therapy, Chemotherapy, Active Surveillance, Watchful Waiting


Literature analysis of 27 papers
Positive Content
19
Neutral Content
3
Negative Content
5
Article Type
7
1
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11
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