Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in males, with approximately 200,000 Americans diagnosed with the disease annually. It is also the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Prostate cancer has a unique biology which involves endocrine pathways that have been successfully exploited for diagnostic advances and developmental therapeutics. However, the optimal screening, diagnosis, and therapy of this highly prevalent cancer are in rapid flux and oftentimes controversial. These vexing issues are frequently a source of confusion in the clinic, warranting timely educational resources aimed to assist clinicians in medical decision making. Technological advances and therapeutic strategies have also evolved rapidly in the past decade, requiring a more up-to-date resource.
Part of the new Oxford American Oncology Library series, this volume is concisely written and tightly formatted and features numerous tables, figures, charts, and illustrations, making it an excellent reference at the point of care. This handbook is primarily intended for clinicians directly involved in the care of patients with prostate cancer - specifically urologic, radiation, and medical oncologists, as well as for primary care practitioners or any other health care professionals who treat patients with this disease. Additionally, many educated patients may also benefit from such a handbook to assist in their own informed decision-making regarding diagnosis and therapy.