Factors influencing prostate cancer management preferences – Video abstract 83333

Summary

Dr. Timothy Showalter from the University of Virginia Cancer Center discusses his study on prostate cancer treatment decision-making, highlighting the complexity of choices for patients. His systematic review of literature from 1995 to 2012 identifies patient priorities, such as the risk of side effects and the perceived effectiveness of treatment. The study emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making involving physicians and family, particularly in the acceptance of active surveillance as a treatment option.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Timothy Showalter's primary clinical specialty is in prostate cancer, where he observes the complexity of treatment decisions for patients.
• 🤔 Prostate cancer patients face a multitude of treatment options, including active surveillance, surgery, and various radiation therapies.
• 🤝 National recommendations encourage shared decision-making between physicians and patients for prostate cancer treatments.
• 🔍 The study is a systematic review of literature from 1995 to 2012, aiming to understand patient preferences for prostate cancer treatment decisions.
• 📚 The review analyzed 21 articles representing over 4,000 patients' perspectives on their treatment decision-making process.
• 🏆 A scoring system called PREFS was used to evaluate the quality of the studies, showing good scores compared to other preference assessments.
• 🌎 The study had a high representation of U.S. patients, which may not fully represent global perspectives.
• 💡 The risk of side effects was a top priority for patients, with variability in concerns such as impotence, gastrointestinal effects, or urinary incontinence.
• 🛡️ Some patients highly value the perceived effectiveness of the treatment and are less likely to opt for non-invasive options like active surveillance.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family opinions and physician recommendations play a significant role in the treatment decision-making process, especially for active surveillance.
• 📈 The findings suggest that improving the decision-making process should involve a shared dialogue among physicians, family members, and patients.

Q & A

What is Timothy Showalter's primary clinical specialty?

Timothy Showalter's primary clinical specialty is in prostate cancer.

Why are prostate cancer treatment decisions considered complex for patients?

Prostate cancer treatment decisions are complex due to the multitude of choices available, ranging from active surveillance to surgery and various radiation therapy options.

What is the role of shared decision-making in prostate cancer treatment according to national recommendations?

National recommendations suggest that physicians and patients should work together to arrive at a shared decision for prostate cancer treatments.

What was the goal of Timothy Showalter's study?

The goal of the study was to review existing medical evidence to better understand patient preferences for prostate cancer treatment decisions.

How did the study approach the review of literature on prostate cancer?

The study conducted a systematic review of available published literature from 1995 to 2012, starting with over 600 titles and narrowing down to 21 articles.

What does the PREFS score evaluate in preference assessment research?

The PREFS score evaluates the quality of preference assessment research by understanding which elements are included in the published report and assessing the quality of the evidence presented.

What were some characteristics of the studies included in the review?

The studies included a high representation of patients from the United States, high funding from governmental sources or academic foundations, and low industry funding, suggesting a low risk of bias.

What was the primary concern for patients when making prostate cancer treatment decisions according to the study?

The primary concern for patients was the risk of side effects related to the cancer treatment, with variability in the specific side effects that were of most concern.

How do patients perceive the effectiveness of treatment in relation to their decision-making process?

Some patients strongly value choosing a treatment they perceive as more effective for curing their prostate cancer, making them less likely to opt for non-invasive treatments like active surveillance.

What role do family members and physicians play in a patient's treatment decision-making process?

Family members and physicians play a significant role in the treatment decision-making process, with their perspectives being incredibly important, especially in the acceptance of active surveillance as a treatment option.

What insights can patients and physicians gain from the findings of this study?

Patients can gain insights into the common themes and priorities that guide treatment decisions, while physicians can use this information to improve the decision-making process and involve family members in a shared dialogue.