NCCN updates prostate cancer guidelines

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has updated its prostate cancer guidelines, which now include revised recommendations regarding pelvic lymph node dissection, robotics, and the use of bisphosphonate therapy.

Robotic techniques are now accepted for both pelvic lymph node dissection and radical prostatectomy, according to the guidelines, which were developed by a panel of expert physicians from NCCN member institutions. In experienced hands, the results of the robotic approach appear comparable to open surgical techniques, the panel said.

The panel also recommends that bisphosphonate therapy should be considered in patients with castration-recurrent metastatic prostate cancer, because it may prevent skeletal-related events and improve bone mineral density.

In addition, the guidelines now include a Principles of Life Expectancy Estimation section. Life expectancy is the basis of the initial clinical assessment and is critical to informed decision making in prostate cancer early detection and treatment, the panel said.