## Positive Prognosis for Prostate Cancer Patients Following NCCN Guidelines
Recent findings, published in the July 2025 issue of *JNCCN-Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network*, demonstrate a highly favorable outlook for individuals diagnosed with low-risk, non-metastatic prostate cancer. The study indicates that 90% of patients treated in accordance with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical practice guidelines are anticipated to survive their cancer for the duration of their estimated lifespan. even among those with higher-risk, metastatic disease and a longer life expectancy, the survival probability remains substantial, exceeding 65%.
### Large-Scale study Confirms Treatment Effectiveness
The research encompassed a comprehensive analysis of 62,839 men diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer in Sweden between 2000 and 2020. All participants were categorized based on their risk level, possessed a life expectancy exceeding three years, and received treatment aligned with NCCN® recommendations for prostate cancer management. Notably,individuals with low or intermediate-risk cancer were found to be six times more likely to succumb to causes *other* than their prostate cancer. For those with high-risk cancer, this figure was still twofold. This suggests that, with appropriate treatment, prostate cancer often becomes a manageable condition, allowing patients to live long and fulfilling lives.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 299,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025, making it the second most common cancer in men in the United States. These findings offer reassurance to a meaningful portion of those newly diagnosed.
### Active Surveillance: A Viable Option
“Our data strongly supports adherence to established guidelines for prostate cancer treatment,” explains Pietro Scilipoti, MD, lead researcher from Uppsala University in Sweden and the IRCCS San Raffaele hospital in Italy. “When treatment protocols recommended by the guidelines are implemented, the majority of men with prostate cancer can anticipate many years of life post-diagnosis. This includes active surveillance, a highly effective strategy for appropriately selected patients.” Active surveillance, which involves regular monitoring rather than immediate intervention, is increasingly recognized as a safe and effective option for men with slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer.### Data Sources and Methodology
The study leveraged data from the National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR) of Sweden, including Gleason Score/Grade Group, clinical TNM stage, treatment details, and other pertinent patient facts. Life expectancy was calculated based on age and pre-existing health conditions (comorbidities). Cause of death information was obtained from the Swedish Register of the Cause of death, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
### Expert Commentary Highlights the importance of Holistic Care
Ahmad Shabsigh, MD, from the Ohio state University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, and a member of the NCCN Guidelines Panel for Prostate Cancer (who was not directly involved in the study), emphasized the importance of these results. “this research provides considerable hope for men facing a prostate cancer diagnosis,” he stated. “It demonstrates that following NCCN-recommended treatment plans dramatically increases the likelihood of dying from other causes – up to six times more likely, even in cases of high-risk cancer. The consistency of these findings across different healthcare systems, such as Sweden, underscores the power of evidence-based treatment and the critical importance of considering a patient’s overall health, not solely their cancer.”