Methodology and process of developing the S3 guideline for prostate cancer

Despite the high incidence of prostate cancer and a variability of care due to different options for primary therapy, a comprehensive German clinical guideline has been missing up to now. Therefore, in 2005 the German Society for Urology initiated the development of a multidisciplinary and evidence-based S3 guideline for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of the different clinical manifestations of prostate cancer. There were 76 experts from 10 different medical societies and organizations including a patient organization involved in the development process. A total of 42 key questions were addressed. As a result of systematic literature searches and formal consensus processes, 170 recommendations and 42 statements were made. This article describes the objectives and the process of development of the guideline focusing on the cooperation between clinical and methodological experts as well as on the evidence and consensus basis of the recommendations.