Active surveillance perspectives of radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and urologists in the treatment of prostate cancer

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the perspectives of radiation oncologists (ROs), medical oncologists (MOs) and urologists (UROs) towards active surveillance (AS) in the management of prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS A questionnaire with total of 24 questions was sent out via e-mail to the physicians. 244 participants completed the questionnaire. Pearson Chi square test and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify physicians’ characteristics and attitudes about AS. RESULTS There were 129 UROs (52.9%), 76 ROs (31.1%) and 39 MOs (16%) in the study population. The analysis of the important factors while considering AS showed that prostate cancer risk group (85.7%) was the most commonly considered criteria, followed by patient’s request and compliance (84.8%), life expectancy (76.2%) and sexual activity of the patient (34.8%). The AS was recommended by 86.8% of UROs, 77.6% of ROs and 61.6% of MOs (p=0.002). In multivariate analysis, practicing as ROs (p=0.031) or UROs (p<0.001), working in a reference hospital (p=0.006) and having an uro-oncology board (p=0.031) were found to be associated with more recommendations for AS. CONCLUSION More clinical experience and multi-disciplinary approach were associated with tendency of recommending AS. Educational sessions and uro-oncology board discussions may provide more integration of AS to our clinical practice routines.