Tumor characteristics, treatments, and survival outcomes in prostate cancer patients with a PSA level < 4 ng/ml: a population-based study

Abstract

Abstract Background To examine the tumor characteristics, treatments and survival outcomes of prostate cancer (PCa) patients with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level 20 ng/ml. The multivariate Cox regression model revealed that overall mortality was associated with age, marital status, race, Gleason grade, M stage and treatment approach. Conclusions In conclusion, PCa patients with a PSA level < 4 ng/ml have more favorable tumor characteristics at diagnosis and receive more benefit from active treatment. However, those patients with advanced TNM stage and high Gleason grade should be paid more attention in clinical application.

Keywords

• Prostate cancer
• PSA < 4 ng/ml
• Tumor characteristics
• SEER program