Waiting a Little Longer After Surgery May Prevent Unnecessary Treatment

After radical prostatectomy, doctors routinely measure PSA levels to determine whether all of the cancer has been removed. Traditionally, this blood test has been performed about six to eight weeks after surgery.

Researchers studying more than 43,000 men found that, for some patients—especially those with very high PSA levels before surgery—PSA may continue to decline for several months after the operation.

The study suggests that checking PSA too early may lead some men to receive radiation therapy or hormone treatment before it is necessary.

Waiting approximately three months after surgery before deciding that PSA remains persistently elevated may provide a more accurate assessment while avoiding unnecessary treatment in selected patients.

These findings could help physicians better determine which men truly need additional therapy after prostate surgery while reducing overtreatment for others.

JAMA Oncology. 2025.