The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on the early data released
from the PIVOT trial, which is comparing the 10 year survival
benefit of prostate surgery versus observation for 731 men with low
to medium risk disease.
Dr Kate Holmes, Head of Research at The Prostate Cancer Charity
said:
"Early data from the PIVOT trial certainly suggests that surgery
to remove the prostate does not provide any significant survival
benefit for men with low to medium risk prostate cancer. However,
these findings are from a large ongoing trial, and we look forward
to seeing the full published results which could help men in future
to make more informed decisions about treatment of their prostate
cancer.
"This trial also highlights how important it is that research
into improved diagnosis, staging and treatment of prostate cancer
is sustained if we are to take treatment for the disease to the
next level. We have been working with existing methods for far too
long and it is vital that investment continues if we are to reduce
the number of men who die from this disease every year."