What is Active Surveillance?

THERE IS A SEA CHANGE COMING IN ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE

ASPI is a group of prostate cancer patients/survivors and advocates that will empower men with rising PSA, recently diagnosed with low-risk, Gleason 3+3 and favorable intermediate prostate cancer, Gleason 3+4 by providing the latest information to allow for informed decisions with your physician, regarding approaches to active surveillance. ASPI provides a network of support and a platform for friendships to form.

Active Surveillance is the process of a patient and their doctor working together to actively monitor PCa without intrusive treatments. Some physicians will have a predetermined program to manage low-risk cancer that hasn’t spread outside of the prostate. For men with low-risk and some intermediate risk cancers, Gleason 6-7, a biopsy is required to determine this score. The cancer usually grows slowly and will not require aggressive treatments. If the PSA rises suddenly, then additional action could be required.

Active Surveillance has received increasing acceptance among PCa patients and health professionals. Fifteen years ago, most men who were diagnosed with PCa had traditional treatment, including prostatectomy, radiation, cryotherapy and other approaches designed to destroy or remove what is typically a slow-growing cancer. About 10 years ago, it is believed that fewer than 10% of men selected AS in the U.S. Now over 50% of diagnosed men opt for AS, and the number is increasing and in some areas much higher. Two-thirds of men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer will never need aggressive therapies. They can live with their cancer and will die from another cause.

Therefore, it is more important than ever to follow the development of AS: who is a candidate for AS, what is the latest technology to evaluate the PCa status and how to live with AS.

What is a Proactive Surveillance approach?

Men may consider a Proactive Surveillance approach. Proactive means before. The patient can take charge of his own health before any treatments and can incorporate food plans for life, exercise, faith, positive attitude and appropriate supplements to prepare the body for any changes in PCa. There are tests such as a 4K score test and Select MDX test that can determine the aggressiveness of a cancer. Once cancer is determined, then a 3T mpMRI can be used to locate cancer. With this information, the patient can decide to have a targeted biopsy.

Active Surveillance may be appropriate for many men with low and intermediate risk PCa. In some instances interventional treatment may be appropriate as well. ASPI recommends a diligent Proactive decision making and monitoring process for men adopting the Active Surveillance approach.

Our Mission

Active Surveillance Patients International (ASPI) will support and empower men with a rising PSA, newly diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa), or on Active Surveillance (AS), and their partner to be proactive on their PCa journey. Our vision is to develop proactive patients by providing the latest data and fostering the understanding necessary to pursue the best outcomes with the least intervention.

Nonprofit status

501 (c) (3) approved