Recent Study Reveals Positive Prognosis for Localized Prostate Cancer Patients
A groundbreaking study featured in the July 2025 edition of the JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network highlights encouraging news for individuals diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. Conducted in Sweden, the research reveals that men with localized, nonmetastatic prostate cancer can expect excellent survival rates when treated according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for Oncology. According to the findings, nearly 90% of older adults diagnosed with low-risk localized prostate cancer and treated following these guidelines can expect to live their remaining years free from cancer-related death. Impressively, for those categorized under higher-risk localized cancer, the survival rate is still a promising 65%, as the study suggests.
This research involved an extensive analysis of data from 62,839 patients diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer in Sweden between the years 2000 and 2020. All participants had a life expectancy exceeding three years and were categorized according to specific risk factors and guided treatment based on NCCN's established recommendations. A notable finding was that patients with low- and intermediate-risk cancers were six times more likely to die from causes unrelated to cancer than from their condition, and even those with high-risk cancers were twice as likely.
The lead researcher, Dr. Pietro Scilipoti from Uppsala University and IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, underscored the importance of adhering to these guidelines, stating that with compliant treatment strategies, most individuals suffering from prostate cancer can have many years of life post-diagnosis. Dr. Scilipoti noted that 'active surveillance' also serves as an excellent approach for suitable candidates, further enhancing quality of life.
Crucially, the data used in this research, which includes Gleason scores, clinical TNM stage, and treatment outcomes, were sourced from Sweden's National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR). Life expectancy calculations factored in age and other health considerations, while the Cause of Death Register provided vital insights into mortality causes.
Dr. Ahmad Shabsigh, affiliated with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and an NCCN Guidelines Panel member, echoed the study's significance, indicating that the guidelines significantly shift perspectives on prostate cancer treatment. With the reported mortality risk from prostate cancer situated at about 11% over 30 years for patients with low-risk diagnoses, the implications of the study are profound. Evidence-based treatment plans are critical, emphasizing the necessity of evaluating a patient's overall health rather than narrowing the focus solely on cancer.
To explore the complete study titled 'Long-Term Outcomes After Guideline-Recommended Treatment of Men With Prostate Cancer,' visit JNCCN.org. Notably, the NCCN has enhanced accessibility to these guidelines via an interactive, digital delivery format featuring advanced search functionalities, available at NCCN.org/navigator. For patients and their families navigating prostate cancer, the NCCN provides two accessible patient-focused guidelines, distinguishing between early and advanced stages, which have been recognized as trustworthy resources for patients and caregivers around the globe.
About the JNCCN: The Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network serves over 25,000 cancer care professionals across the United States, reporting on pivotal developments in innovative cancer treatment and health services research. This peer-reviewed journal is a crucial platform for disseminating cutting-edge information critical for all professionals engaged in cancer care.