Prostate cancer nomograms: an update.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Several nomograms have been developed to predict outcomes related to prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS:

We provide a descriptive and an analytic comparison of nomograms. Further, we report a set of recent PCa nomograms, in which we recorded predictor variables, number of patients used to develop each nomogram, and nomogram-specific features. Moreover, accuracy estimates and type of validation are considered.

RESULTS:

Our findings suggest a demand for updated nomograms in selected fields of PCa outcomes. Moreover, an increasing number of nomograms address important end points such as prostate-specific antigen recurrence, distant metastases, or androgen-independent PCa-specific survival.

CONCLUSION:

Our results suggest that nomograms are available for many PCa-related outcomes. They represent a valid methodologic approach if correct criteria are met.

• Authors: Felix K-H Chun, Pierre I Karakiewicz, Alberto Briganti, Andrea Gallina, Michael W Kattan, Francesco Montorsi, Hartwig Huland, Markus Graefen
• Journal: European urology (Eur Urol) Vol. 50 Issue 5 Pg. 914-26; discussion 926 (Nov 2006) ISSN: 0302-2838 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 16935414 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Biopsy
• Calibration
• Humans
• Life Expectancy
• Male
• Nomograms
• Prostatic Neoplasms (diagnosis, pathology, radiotherapy, surgery)
• Recurrence
• Survival Rate