Biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer: review article

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most common neoplasm in men, and the routine use of PSA has led to an increase in the diagnosis of clinically localized disease. Biochemical recurrence is defined as a rise in PSA levels without overt clinical or radiological disease in patients who have received treatment with the intent to cure localized disease, in the absence of clinical or radiological signs of recurrence. In this article, we review biochemical recurrence with an emphasis on its definition, natural history, and treatment, in order to individualize case management based on current evidence.