The 13th International Prostate Cancer Update was held in Vail, Colorado from February 19–22, 2003. As it is every year, this was an exemplary meeting, providing a thorough review of all clinically relevant aspects of prostate cancer treatment. A stellar international faculty provided concise, definitive presentations in their respective areas of expertise. Once again, E. David Crawford, MD, organized a meeting that was simply outstanding for its scientific merit, as well as its abundance of luxurious social and recreational opportunities.
Because of the importance of the information presented at this meeting, we have once again elected to publish it as a supplement to Reviews in Urology. Through a generous, unrestricted educational grant from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, we are pleased to provide this supplement to our readership.
In this issue, Timothy J. Wilt, MD, MPH, and colleagues provide a thorough review of prostate cancer epidemiology. Dr. Wilt’s background in internal medicine and his strong interest in outcomes research offer a novel perspective on this topic. He is the co-chairman of the Prostate Intervention Observation Trial, data from which should provide a definitive answer regarding the utility of radical prostatectomy.
Next, Michael K. Brawer, MD, and colleagues review prostate-specific antigen and other markers for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Dr. Brawer and colleagues then discuss the importance of ascertaining the malignant potential of any given man’s prostate cancer, highlighting new advances in early diagnosis and staging of the disease.
E. David Crawford, MD, and associates provide a thorough review of complementary medicine, chemoprevention, and staging in prostate cancer. Following the recent release of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, this is a timely subject that our readers will be interested in exploring.
Ashutosh Tewari, MD, and colleagues provide an overview of the management of clinically localized prostate cancer. Dr. Tewari’s extensive experience with robotic prostatectomy provides a counterpoint to discussions of other therapeutic approaches. Then, Anthony V. D’Amico, MD, PhD, and associates summarize the session on localized and locally advanced prostate cancer, evaluating the role of neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant androgen suppression therapy.
Next, Michael A. Carducci, MD, and colleagues provide an overview of current and future directions in the management of advanced prostate cancer. Dr. Carducci presents his topic from a medical oncology perspective, providing a counterpoint to participants who are evaluating these issues from urologic and radiation oncology perspectives. Finally, Daniel P. Petrylak, MD, and associates offer insight on new therapeutic approaches to hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
The 14th International Prostate Cancer Update will be held from February 4–8, 2004. We look forward to next year’s meeting, as it will surely be another successful, vitally important gathering of physicians on the cutting edge of prostate cancer management and treatment.