What does the term "watchful waiting" refer to in cancer management?

The term "watchful waiting" refers to a management strategy in cancer care where the patient's condition is closely monitored without immediate intervention. This approach is often used in situations where the cancer is considered low-risk, slow-growing, or not causing any significant symptoms or health issues. The goal is to avoid unnecessary treatments and their associated side effects until there is a change in the patient's condition or until the cancer shows signs of progression that require intervention.

In practice, watchful waiting involves regular follow-up appointments, imaging studies, or laboratory tests to observe any changes over time. This strategy is particularly relevant in cases of certain types of prostate cancer or indolent lymphomas, where immediate treatment may not be necessary and can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Immediate surgical intervention, strict adherence to chemotherapy regimens, and invasive testing at regular intervals are all more aggressive management strategies that may be appropriate in specific contexts but do not align with the fundamental principle of watchful waiting, which is to prioritize patient comfort and quality of life while monitoring for any changes.