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| OBSERVATION |
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Observation or Watchful waiting represents a viable option for some patients with prostate cancer. This strategy is indicated in elderly patients or those with multiple medical problems who have a life expectancy of less than ten years. The cancer is observed by following the PSA and rectal exam. Once the PSA rises to a dangerous level, hormonal therapy is instituted. This can place the cancer in remission for several years. While any physician can “observe” a cancer, McIver physicians employ certain strategies including the following:
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| Repeat Saturation Biopsy : |
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| In some patients who wish to observe their cancer, a repeat biopsy can be performed to indirectly determine the extent of the cancer. If this repeat extensive biopsy does not show a large amount of cancer, the physician and patient can feel more comfortable with a watchful waiting strategy.
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| Optimum Hormonal Therapy : |
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| Eventually, patients who choose an observation strategy will take hormonal therapy to place the cancer in remission. Hormonal therapy is most often given in the form of injections administered every 3-4 months. Sometimes these are combined with daily pills. McIver physicians can optimize this therapy, by providing intermittent therapy if the patient desires. This has the benefits of limiting side effects of the hormonal therapy which include hot flushes, fatigue, bone and muscle loss.
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