Study Finds Guideline-Based Treatments Enhance Survival in Prostate Cancer

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has revealed that adherence to guideline-recommended treatment protocols significantly improves long-term survival rates for patients with localized prostate cancer. The study, led by Dr. Pietro Scilipoti of Uppsala University in Sweden and IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Italy, analyzed data from 135,636 Swedish patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer, with the findings released on July 8, 2025.

According to the research, 46% of the participants received treatment that aligned with NCCN guidelines, which include options such as radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, and active surveillance. The results underscore the effectiveness of these evidence-based treatment strategies, particularly for patients categorized as low- to intermediate-risk. Specifically, the study found that the 15-year prostate cancer mortality rate among low-risk patients was only 5.5%, while the mortality from other causes was significantly higher at 37%.

Dr. Scilipoti emphasized the importance of following established treatment protocols, stating, "If guideline-recommended treatment is utilized, most individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer can expect to live many years beyond their diagnosis." This assertion aligns with the conclusions drawn from the data, which indicated that patients receiving guideline-concordant treatment had a substantially lower risk of dying from prostate cancer compared to other causes.

Ahmad Shabsigh, MD, a member of the NCCN Guidelines Panel for Prostate Cancer and affiliated with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, echoed Dr. Scilipoti's sentiments, remarking, "This study offers a big sigh of relief for many men facing a prostate cancer diagnosis. With NCCN Guidelines-recommended treatment, you're significantly more likely to die from unrelated health issues, even if your cancer is classified as high-risk."

The study's cohort consisted of men with a median age of 67 years, and a median life expectancy of 18 years. Among those treated according to NCCN guidelines, 42% underwent radical prostatectomy, 22% received radiotherapy with or without androgen deprivation therapy, and 20% were placed under active surveillance, a strategy that has shown promising outcomes for selected patients with low-risk disease.

Notably, the findings also illustrated a stark contrast in mortality rates based on life expectancy within risk categories. For patients with low-risk prostate cancer and a life expectancy exceeding 15 years, the 15-year mortality rate from prostate cancer was a mere 2.5%, compared to a staggering 20% mortality from other causes.

The implications of these findings are significant for clinical practice, suggesting that adhering to established treatment guidelines not only enhances survival rates but also emphasizes the necessity of a holistic approach to cancer care that prioritizes the overall health of patients. As the medical community continues to refine treatment protocols, this study provides critical evidence supporting the effectiveness of guideline-based care in managing localized prostate cancer.

In light of these findings, it is essential for healthcare providers to advocate for adherence to NCCN guidelines, ensuring that patients are informed about their treatment options and the potential benefits of evidence-based care. The study serves as a pivotal reminder that successful cancer treatment extends beyond the disease itself, focusing on the patient's quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

This research not only adds to the growing body of literature supporting guideline-based treatment but also paves the way for future studies to explore the nuances of prostate cancer management and the importance of personalized treatment strategies.