The International Prostate Forum introduction and history

Abstract

The International Prostate Forum (IPF) originally started with three urology departments in Japan, Turkey, and the United States. The forum emphasized discussions and presentations of new knowledge in all areas of prostate diseases with an early emphasis on ultrasound and diagnostics. The meeting has generally run every 2 years and rotated through the three sites with new leaders joining the effort. Over the years, the meeting has enjoyed a diverse locale and points of emphasis. The latter agendas now cover all aspects of the benign prostate disease, prostate cancer screening, prostate cancer diagnosis and staging, and therapies. Table 1 summarizes the dates of the meetings, locations, and chairman.