Previous studies have shown that compared to non-volunteers, the volunteers for a study are usually healthier and more likely to comply with the study protocol. Another concern is whether the unscreened groups of men are actually unscreened. The authors define screening status based upon whether the subject presents to their clinical center for screening. Outcomes measured The primary outcome was incident death from prostate cancer. It has two critical flaws noted above which make any inferences from the data highly suspect.
Trial is a true randomized controlled trial of screening for prostate cancer.
The PCLO is a study to determine whether screening tests for these conditions will reduce the number of deaths from these cancers. It will involve 150,000 Americans between the ages of 55 and 75, half of whom agree to be selected by chance to receive the screening tests. This study is ongoing and represents the type of study that will provide the type of evidence needed to guide patients and clinicians in screening for prostate cancer. For now, the controversy remains and we must guide each man to an informed to decision about screening as opposed to recommending routine screening for all men. Mercer, S.L., et al.