<p><strong> </strong><strong>Clinicians should monitor patients with prostate cancer post therapy with PSA and symptom assessment. <em>(Clinical Principle)</em></strong></p>
Discussion
Discussion
<p>Monitoring after treatment for clinically localized disease with serial PSA measurements and symptom assessments is necessary to identify recurrence as well as complications from treatment and thereby facilitate early intervention as appropriate. The specific intervals for PSA follow-up may be tailored to disease risk based on clinicopathologic features. Initial monitoring should in general be performed more frequently and is recommended every three to six months for the first two years after treatment. Subsequent monitoring between years two and five should occur every six months, with monitoring annually thereafter. The duration and interval of follow-up beyond 10 years for patients with an undetectable PSA at that time should be a shared decision based on patient disease risk, age, comorbidity status, and preference. Urinary, bowel, and sexual function should likewise be routinely queried, with the use of standardized/validated instruments recommended, to monitor the QOL impact from therapy.</p>