Prostate Cancer in Older Adults: Risk of Clinically Meaningful Disease, the Role of Screening and Special Considerations

Curr Oncol Rep. 2021 Aug 27;23(11):130. doi: 10.1007/s11912-021-01118-7.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the USA and several studies suggest more aggressive disease in older patients. However, screening remains controversial, especially in the older patient population.

Recent findings: Aggressive prostate cancers are more common in older men. Screening trial results are conflicting but data suggest an improvement in prostate cancer mortality and increased detection of metastatic disease with screening. When PSA is utilized with multiparametric MRI and biomarker assays, patients at significant risk of clinically meaningful prostate cancer can be appropriately selected for biopsy. A thoughtful and individualized approach is central when considering prostate cancer screening in older men. This approach includes life expectancy estimation, use of appropriate geriatric assessment tools, use of multiparametric MRI and biomarkers in addition to PSA, and most importantly shared decision-making with patients.

Keywords: 4Kscore; Biomarkers; Clinically significant prostate cancer; Comprehensive geriatric assessment; ExoDx; Geriatric oncology; MRI; Multiparametric MRI; PSA; Phi; Prostate cancer; Screening; Select MDX.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / analysis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen