Management of high-risk and post-operative non-metastatic prostate cancer in Catalonia: an expert Delphi consensus.

BACKGROUND: To reach a consensus on recommendations for the management of high-risk and post-operative non-metastatic prostate cancer by a group of Radiation Oncologists in Catalonia dedicated to prostate cancer. METHODS: A modified Delphi approach was employed to reach consensus on controversial topics in Radiation Oncology on high-risk non-metastatic (eight questions) and post-operative (eight questions) prostate cancer. An agreement of at least 75% was considered as consensus. The survey was electronically sent 6 weeks before an expert meeting where topics were reviewed and discussed. A second-round survey for the controversial questions only was sent and answered by participants after the meeting. RESULTS: After the first round of the survey, 19 experienced Radiation Oncologists attended the meeting and 74% fulfilled the second-round online questionnaire. An agreement of 9 of the 16 questions was accounted for the first round. After the meeting, an additional agreement was reached in 3 questions leading to a final consensus on 12 of the 16 questions. There are still controversial topics like the use of PET for staging of high-risk and post-operative non-metastatic prostate cancer and the optimal dose to the prostate bed in the salvage setting. CONCLUSION: This consensus contributes to establish recommendations and a framework to help in prostate cancer radiation therapy and pharmacological management in daily clinical practice of high-risk and post-operative non-metastatic prostate cancer.

PITASOR epidemiological study: prevalence, incidence and treatment of anaemia in radiation therapy oncology departments in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Anemia is the most common haematological complication in cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the incidence, prevalence and treatment of anemia in oncologic patients treated in Radiation Oncology Departments in Spain (ROD) and monitoring of the existing recommendations for the treatment of anemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, prospective, multicenter study which involved 19 Spanish ROD. The study was approved by the CEIC Central Defense Hospital. 477 patients with solid tumors, subsidiary of RT with radical intent referred to such centers within a period of one month (5/5/09 to 5/6/09) and gave their consent to participate in the study. We gathered the main characteristics of patients and their oncologic disease. All patients underwent a determination of Hb levels before RT, upon reaching 25-35 Gy and at the end treatment. In patients with anemia we assessed the existence of related symptoms and its treatment. RESULTS: Basal situation: The prevalence of anemia was 34.8% (166 patients). Mean Hb in patients with anemia was 11.17 ± 1.07 g/dl. Anemia-related symptoms were present in 34% of the patients. Anemia predisposing factors were: stage of the disease, previously received chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. 39% (66 patients) received anemia treatment, with a mean Hb of 10.43 ± 1.04 g/dl. During RT: The prevalence of anemia was 38.9% (182 patients) with a mean Hb of 11.24 ± 1.21 g/dl. Predisposing factors for anemia during RT treatment were: age, male sex, chemotherapy prior to RT, basal anemia and chemotherapy during RT. 36.3% (66 patients) had anemia-related symptoms. 34.6% (63 patients) with a mean Hb of 10.5 ± 1.37 g/dl received treatment for anemia. The prevalence of anemia at the end of the RT was 38.1% (177 patients) with a mean Hb of 11.19 ± 1.18 g/dl. The predisposing factors for the appearance of anemia at the end of RT were: male sex, anemia at basal situation and during treatment and chemotherapy during RT. 34% (61 patients) had anemia-related symptoms and 73 patients (41.2%) with a mean Hb of 10.5 ± 1.22 g/dl received treatment for anemia. The presence of anemia-related symptoms was significantly correlated with the beginning of treatment for anemia. The incidence of anemia (new cases) during radiotherapy was 17.5%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia in basal situation, during RT and at the end of RT is 34.8%, 38.9% and 38.1%. During RT the incidence of anemia is 17.5%. 39.8%-41.2% of patients with anemia and 64.2%-68% of patients with anemia-related symptoms received treatment. Treatment of anemia starts with Hb<11 g/dl and the goal is to achieve Hb 12 g/dl. In our Radiotherapy Oncology Departments, the treatment of anemia complies with the current recommendations and guidelines in use.