Experts Urge Update to NHS Prostate Cancer Testing

Experts have criticized the NHS prostate cancer testing guidelines, calling them outdated and responsible for thousands of preventable deaths each year. Prostate Cancer UK advocates for increased use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, noting that new diagnostic methods, including multiparametric MRI and transperineal guided biopsies, significantly reduce unnecessary biopsies and lower the risk of sepsis. The World Health Organization highlights that nearly 1.5 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually, with black men facing a 70% higher risk, underscoring the importance of early screening. A recent study presented at ESMO 2024 found promising results in the treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, emphasizing the evolving treatment paradigms that now favor androgen receptor pathway inhibitors. Additionally, research indicates that the use of oral antithrombotic agents negatively impacts urinary continence recovery following robotic prostate surgery. These findings collectively reflect advancements in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, alongside ongoing challenges in patient management.