EAU Guidelines for Prostate cancer

The European Association of Urology (EAU) provides guidelines for the management of prostate cancer. These guidelines cover various aspects of the disease, including diagnosis, staging, treatment options, and follow-up care. The most recent guidelines, published in 2020, recommend that men with suspected prostate cancer undergo a combination of digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen testing, and transrectal ultrasound to establish a diagnosis. The guidelines also recommend active surveillance for low-risk disease, and a variety of treatment options for intermediate- and high-risk disease, including surgery (radical prostatectomy or robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy) and radiation therapy (external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy). These guidelines also recommend individualized treatment decisions based on a patient’s overall health, preferences, and other factors.

The European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for the management of prostate cancer provide detailed recommendations for the diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up of patients with prostate cancer.

Diagnosis:

• The guidelines recommend that men with suspected prostate cancer undergo a combination of digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to establish a diagnosis.
• PSA testing is used to measure the level of PSA in the blood, which can be elevated in men with prostate cancer.
• TRUS uses sound waves to create images of the prostate, which can be used to detect abnormal areas within the gland.
• Biopsy is recommended if the above tests are inconclusive or if there is suspicion of prostate cancer.

Staging:

• The guidelines recommend that men with prostate cancer undergo imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to determine the stage of the disease.
• The stage of the disease is determined by how far the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.

Treatment:

• The guidelines recommend active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer.
• For intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer, a variety of treatment options are available, including surgery (radical prostatectomy or robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy), radiation therapy (external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy), and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)
• The guidelines recommend individualized treatment decisions based on a patient’s overall health, preferences, and other factors.

Follow-up Care:

• The guidelines recommend that men with prostate cancer undergo regular follow-up care, which may include PSA testing, digital rectal examination, and imaging studies, to monitor the progression of the disease and detect any potential recurrence.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and the best course of treatment for an individual patient may vary depending on factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer. It’s always best to discuss with your urologist or oncologist for personalized recommendation based on your own condition and circumstance.

The EAU guidelines for prostate cancer are updated regularly to reflect the most current and accurate information available about the diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up care of prostate cancer. Here are a few additional things to keep in mind about the guidelines:

• The guidelines provide a framework for managing prostate cancer, but they do not replace the need for individualized treatment decisions. Your doctor will take into account your specific situation and preferences when developing a treatment plan for you.
• The guidelines emphasize the importance of active surveillance for men with low-risk prostate cancer, and the need to avoid overtreatment of indolent prostate cancer.
• The guidelines also recommend the use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, as it can help identify clinically significant tumours, reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies and improve the detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer.
• The guidelines also recommend that patients with prostate cancer should be offered a comprehensive rehabilitation program after treatment, including sexual and urinary function recovery and psychological support.
• The guidelines also recommends that prostate cancer survivors should be offered lifelong follow-up care, including regular PSA testing, and regular check-ups to detect any recurrence or complications of treatment.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and the best course of treatment for an individual patient may vary depending on factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer. It’s always best to discuss with your urologist or oncologist for personalized recommendation based on your own condition and circumstance.