Bladder Cancer Survivors Who Do Not Smoke Have Better Longitudinal Health-Related Quality of Life Measures: An Assessment of the Comparative Effectiveness and Survivorship Health in Bladder Cancer (CEASE-BC) Study.

PURPOSE: Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for the development of bladder cancer (BC), yet there is a paucity of data characterizing the relationship between smoking status and longitudinal health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes in patients with BC. We examined the association between smoking status and HRQoL among patients with BC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were sourced from a prospective, longitudinal study open between 2014 and 2017, which examined HRQoL in patients aged ≥ 18 years old diagnosed with BC across North Carolina. The QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire core instrument) was administered at 3, 12, and 24 months after BC diagnosis. Our primary exposure of interest was current smoking status. Linear regression using generalized estimating equations was used to analyze the relationship between smoking status and various domains of the QLQ-C30. RESULTS: A total of 154 patients enrolled in the study. Eighteen percent were classified as smoking at 3 months from diagnosis, and packs per day ranged from < 0.5 to 2. When controlling for time from diagnosis, demographic covariates, cancer stage, and treatment type, mean differences for physical function (7.4), emotional function (5.6), and fatigue measures (-8.2) were significantly better for patients with BC who did not smoke. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BC who do not smoke have significantly better HRQoL scores in the domains of physical function, emotional function, and fatigue. These results underscore the need to treat smoking as an essential component of BC care.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Outcomes of a Mobile Health Tool for Radical Cystectomy Recovery.

PURPOSE: Postoperative education and symptom tracking are essential following cystectomy to reduce readmission rates and information overload. To address these issues, an internet-based tool was developed to provide education, alerts, and symptom tracking. We aimed to evaluate the tool's feasibility, acceptability, and impact on complication and readmission rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three eligible patients over 18 years old scheduled for cystectomy were enrolled. Patients were asked to use the mobile health (mHealth) tool daily for the first 2 weeks, then less frequently up to 90 days after discharge. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize study variables. Feasibility was defined as at least 50% of patients using the tool once a week, and acceptability as patient satisfaction of > 75%. RESULTS: Use of the mHealth tool was feasible, with 90% of patients using it 1 week after discharge, but engagement declined over time to 50%, with technological difficulties being the main reason for nonengagement. Patient and provider acceptability was high, with satisfaction > 90%. Within 90 days, 36% experienced complications after discharge and 30% were readmitted. Engagement with the mHealth application varied but was not statistically associated with readmission (P = .21). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the electronic mobile health intervention for patients undergoing cystectomy was feasible, acceptable, and provided valuable educational content and symptom management. Future larger studies are needed to determine the tool's effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and its potential implementation into routine clinical care.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in genitourinary clinical trials leading to FDA novel drug approval: An assessment of the FDA center for drug evaluation and research drug trials snapshot.

To determine the distribution of race and ethnicity among genitourinary oncology trial participants leading to FDA approval of novel molecular entities/biologics. Secondarily, we evaluated whether the proportion of Black participants in clinical trials increased over time. We quired the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Drug Trials Snapshot (DTS) between 2015 and 2020 for urologic oncology clinical trials leading to FDA approval of novel drugs. Enrollment data was stratified by race and ethnicity. Cochran-Armitage Trend tests were used to examine changes in Black patient participation over years. Nine clinical trials were identified that led to FDA approval of 5 novel molecular entities for prostate and 4 molecular entities for urothelial carcinoma treatment. Trials for prostate cancer included 5202 participants of which 69.8% were White, 4.0% Black, 11.0% Asian, 3.6% Hispanic, <1% American Indian/Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 3% other. Trials in urothelial carcinoma had 704 participants of which 75.1% were male, 80.8% White, 2.3% Black, 2.4% Hispanic, <1% American Indian/Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 5% other. Black participation rates over time did not change for urothelial (P = 0.59) or the combined cancer cohort (P = 0.29). Prostate cancer enrollment trends among Black participant declined over time (P = 0.03). Participants in genitourinary clinical trials leading to FDA approval of novel drugs are overwhelmingly white. Involving stakeholders who represent the needs and interests of underrepresented populations in the design and implementation of clinical trials of novel agents may be a strategy to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion among genitourinary clinical trials.

Patient and Provider Perception of Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor vs Chemoablation for Nonmuscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Treatment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this mixed methods study was to investigate patient and provider perceptions of repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumors to improve counseling as new nonsurgical treatment modalities for nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer emerge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative data were collected via a web-based survey through the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network of patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer who had undergone at least 1 transurethral resection of bladder tumor. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate associations of patient demographics and clinical variables with treatment preference. Qualitative data were collected with 60 in-depth telephone interviews with patients (n=40) and urologists (n=20) to understand experiences with bladder cancer and transurethral resection of bladder tumor. Telephone interviews were conducted by trained qualitative experts. Transcripts were imported into Dedoose to facilitate analysis. RESULTS: Survey data of 352 patients showed 210 respondents (60%) preferred repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumor while 142 (40%) preferred intravesical chemoablation. Patients who preferred repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumor were more likely to prioritize initial treatment effectiveness (63%), whereas those who preferred chemoablation prioritized risk of recurrence (55%). Variables associated with a preference for intravesical chemoablation included U.S. residence (OR=2; 95% CI 1.1, 3.8), or if they expressed their reason for treatment preference as priority of recurrence risk over effectiveness (OR=14.6; 95% CI 7.4, 28.5). Predominant interview themes varied across participants, with patients but not urologists emphasizing the emotional toll of the procedure along with the need for improved counseling regarding recurrence, terminology, and cancer-related signs and symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Differences exist in the way patients and urologists perceive repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumor for bladder cancer. Understanding transurethral resection of bladder tumor perception will aid in shared decision making as novel treatments emerge for nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Patient Decision-Making Factors in Aggressive Treatment of Low-Risk Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Active surveillance (AS) is underutilized for low-risk prostate cancer. This study examines decision-making factors associated with AS vs aggressive treatment in a population-based cohort of low-risk patients. METHODS: Newly diagnosed patients (n = 599) were enrolled through the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry from 2011 to 2013 and surveyed regarding 5 factors that may impact treatment decision making: perceived cancer aggressiveness, aggressiveness of treatment intent, most important goal (eg, cure, quality of life), primary information source, and primary decision maker. We examined the association between treatment decision-making factors with patient choice for AS vs aggressive treatment using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: This is a sociodemographically diverse cohort reflective of the population-based design, with 37.6% overall (47.6% among very low-risk patients) choosing AS. Aggressive treatment intent (odds ratio [OR] = 7.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.57 to 11.01), perceived cancer aggressiveness (OR = 4.93, 95% CI = 2.71 to 8.97), most important goal (cure vs other, OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.12 to 2.63), and primary information source (personal and family vs physician, OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.10 to 2.82) were associated with aggressive treatment. Overall, 88.4% of patients (92.2% among very low-risk) who indicated an intent to treat the cancer "not very aggressively" chose AS. CONCLUSIONS: These data from the patient's perspective shed new light on potentially modifiable factors that can help further increase AS uptake among low-risk patients. Helping more low-risk patients feel comfortable with a "not very aggressive" treatment approach may be especially important, which can be facilitated through patient education interventions to improve the understanding of the cancer diagnosis and AS having a curative intent.

Minimal Patient-Reported Side Effects for a Chemoablative Gel (UGN-102) Used as Frontline Treatment in Adults with Nonmuscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

PURPOSE: Optima II ("OPTimized Instillation of Mitomycin for Bladder Cancer Treatment," clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03558503) was a phase 2b trial evaluating a nonsurgical alternative as a primary treatment for nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Patients received 6 weekly instillations of UGN-102, a mitomycin-containing reverse thermal gel. This is the first study to report on patient-reported side effects of UGN-102. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients enrolled in Optima II from 20 sites. Of these 63 patients, 44 were in the cohort completing a quarterly patient-reported outcome measure assessing side effects. Changes in side effects were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Associations of 3-month outcomes with demographic and clinical characteristics were examined with regression, controlling for baseline values. Ten of 44 patients (23%) were interviewed after the trial to understand tolerability for future patients making treatment decisions. Transcripts were double-coded using standard methods. RESULTS: In the patient-reported outcome measure cohort (44), 61% were men, 57% aged 65+ years and 89% were non-Hispanic White. UGN-102 did not cause decrements in patient-reported urinary symptoms, bloating/flatulence or malaise at the primary endpoint of 3 months. Sexual function mildly worsened. Future health worries improved. Demographics were not correlated with changes. Clinically, sexual function was correlated with new NMIBC and bloating/flatulence was associated with transurethral resection of bladder tumor within 12 months. In interviews, patients appreciated a nonsurgical alternative, would recommend the gel to other patients and would choose the gel over surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A nonsurgical, chemoablative gel (UGN-102) used as a primary treatment for NMIBC offers a more patient-centered therapeutic approach than standard treatments.

Non-oncology clinical trial engagement in a nationally representative sample: Identification of motivators and barriers.

BACKGROUND: Enrollment in non-oncology clinical trials is often challenging and social determinants that may serve as motivators or barriers to clinical trial enrollment are largely unexplored. We sought to assess engagement in non-oncology clinical trials with a focus on social determinants of health as barriers or motivators toward participation. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of non-cancer respondents was conducted using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) administered in 2020. Our analytic cohort was comprised of respondents with no reported history of cancer. Our primary outcome of interest was trial engagement defined as receiving an invitation to participate in a clinical trial. Secondary outcomes included participation in a clinical trial and reported motivators and barriers to clinical trial participation. RESULTS: A total of 3113 respondents with no reported history of cancer were included. Overall, 8.1% of respondents reported being invited to participate in a clinical trial. Amongst those invited to participate, 47.7% reported participating in a clinical trial. Respondents reported that clinical trial participation was motivated "somewhat" or "a lot" by "wanting to get better" (80.5%), "helping other people" (61.4%), "physician encouragement" (60.6%), "getting a chance to try new care" (60.2%), "family friend encouragement" (54.2%), or "getting paid" (50.0%). Overall, 82.5% of all respondents "don't know anything" or have "a little knowledge" about clinical trials. Reported barriers to clinical trial participation including getting transportation, childcare or paid time off work (48.4%) and standard of care not covered by insurance (62.0%) influenced the decision to participate "somewhat" or "a lot." CONCLUSION: Amongst a nationally representative sample, non-oncology clinical trial invitation is low, but participation amongst those invited is nearly 50%. This highlights the need for clinician engagement in clinical trials. Identifying modifiable social determinants of non-oncologic clinical trial participation may help promote improved engagement.

Patterns and associations of smoking and electronic cigarette use among survivors of tobacco related and non-tobacco related cancers: A nationally representative cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco-use among cancer survivors leads to preventable morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. We sought to explore the prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use among survivors of tobacco and non-tobacco related cancers. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 2015-2018 National Health Interview Survey. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of current cigarette smoking or e-cigarette use among adults with self-reported history of tobacco related or non-tobacco related cancer. Logistic regression analysis was to assess the association of reported cancer type with cigarette smoking or e-cigarette use. Secondary outcomes included yearly trends and dual use. RESULTS: A total of 12,984 respondents reported a history of cancer, representing a weighted estimate of 5,060,059 individuals with a history of tobacco-related malignancy and 17,583,788 with a history of a tobacco and non-tobacco related cancer, respectively. Survivors of tobacco-related cancers had a significantly higher prevalence of current cigarette use (18.2 % vs 9.7 %, P < 0.0001), e-cigarette use (2.7 % vs 1.6 %, P < 0.0001) and similar rates of dual use. The prevalence of cigarette smoking among all survivors increased as time increased from the year of diagnosis up to 2 years post-diagnosis (P = 0.047). Odds of reporting current cigarette smoking use was higher for survivors of tobacco-related cancers, adjusted for sociodemographic factors (OR1.69, 95 % CI 1.44-1.99). CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of tobacco-related cancers have a higher prevalence of current cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use compared to survivors of non-tobacco related cancers. There was a sequential increase in the prevalence of cigarette use during each subsequent year from the time of a new cancer diagnosis, underscoring the need for long term tobacco cessation support among newly diagnosed adults with cancer.

Perceptions of e-cigarette harm among cancer survivors: Findings from a nationally representative survey.

BACKGROUND: The growth in e-cigarette use may be driven by the perception that they are a safer, healthier alternative to conventional cigarettes. However, their long-term health implications are not well known and use is discouraged by most cancer societies. It is currently unclear how cancer survivors perceive the risks associated with e-cigarette and how this may influence use in this population. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) (Years 2017-2019). Our primary study outcome was the perception of harm associated with e-cigarettes compared to traditional cigarettes among adults with and without a self-reported history of cancer. We used logistic regression analyses assessing the association of a cancer history with the perception that e-cigarettes are as much or more harmful than cigarettes. RESULTS: A total of 11,846 respondents (weighted population estimate 243,728,483) were included. Of these, 26.6% reported a history of cancer. The proportion of cancer survivors who perceived e-cigarettes to be as much or more harmful than conventional cigarettes was similar to non-cancer respondents (70.6% vs 68.3%, P = 0.35). There was no difference in perception of harm among cancer and non-cancer respondents, adjusted for sociodemographic factors (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.6-1.1). Past (OR 9.06, 95% Cl 5.06-16.20) and never e-cigarette use (OR 23.40, 95% Cl 13.56-40.38) as well as having a history of cardiopulmonary disease (OR 1.28, 95% Cl 1.05-1.56) was associated with higher odds of perceiving e-cigarettes to be as much or more harmful. CONCLUSION: Cancer survivors commonly perceive e-cigarettes to be as much or more harmful than traditional cigarettes though these findings are similar to perceptions among adults without a history of cancer. There is a strong association with avoidance of e-cigarette products among those who perceive them to be harmful.

Revisiting Provider Role in Patient Use of Online Medical Records.

OBJECTIVES: Provider encouragement for patient use of online medical record (OMR) systems is poorly understood. The study examines temporal trends and predictors of provider encouragement and the effects of encouragement on OMR use. METHODS: Health Information National Trends Survey administered in 2017 and 2020 were used. Subjects were 18 to 75 years old with access to the Internet or smart devices. From 2017 and 2020, 2,558 and 3,058 subjects were included, respectively. RESULTS: In 2020, 52.8% reported receiving provider encouragement within the last year for OMR use compared with 41.3% in 2017 (p < 0.001). For respondents with chronic diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, heart, or lung diseases [CVMD]), encouragement increased from 45.5 to 57.2% (p < 0.001). Sociodemographic determinants and clinical attributes (e.g., provider office visits, cancer history, or CVMDs) significantly (p < 0.05) predicted encouragement. Among CVMD subjects, gender and visit frequency were significant predictors. OMR use within a year grew recently (73.3% in 2020 vs. 60.6% in 2017, p = 0.002) among CVMD subjects reporting encouragement. Provider encouragement was associated (p < 0.05) with secure communication and viewing results using OMRs controlling for other predictors in the overall cohort and among CVMD subjects. CONCLUSION: Many respondents reported not receiving provider encouragement for OMR use. These subjects represent millions of U.S. adults, including those participating during the pandemic, with CVMDs or cancer history. Encouragement rates grew over time and was associated with demographic or disease attributes and with OMR use. Future research should assess the optimality of encouragement. Resources enabling provider encouragement should continue and help prevent disparity in health technology use.

Receipt of Guideline-Recommended Surveillance in a Population-Based Cohort of Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Active Surveillance.

PURPOSE: Prospective clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of active surveillance for men with localized prostate cancer but also suggested that inadequate surveillance may risk missing an opportunity for cure. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We used data from a population-based cohort of active-surveillance patients to examine the rigor of surveillance monitoring in the general population. RESULTS: Among 1419 patients enrolled from 2011 to 2013 throughout the state of North Carolina in collaboration with the state cancer registry and followed prospectively, 346 pursued active surveillance. Only 13% received all guideline-recommended surveillance testing (including prostate-specific antigen, digital rectal examination, and prostate biopsy) within the first 2 years. Furthermore, adherence was <20% in all patient subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that "active surveillance" as implemented in the general population may not represent the rigorous monitoring regimens used in the studies that demonstrated the safety of this management approach. More real-world studies on active surveillance are needed.

Patterns of Recurrence, Detection Rates, and Impact of 18-F Fluciclovine PET/CT on the Management of Men With Recurrent Prostate Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics of FACBC PET/CT in detecting recurrent prostate cancer after radiation or prostatectomy. The secondary aim was to determine the impact of FACBC PET/CT on radiation treatment recommendations in men with biochemical recurrence postprostatectomy. METHODS: This is a single center retrospective study of men who underwent an FACBC PET/CT for rising PSA after definitive prostate cancer therapy. Detection rates in men with recurrence following any definitive treatment were compared at different PSA levels and anatomical sites. Radiotherapy treatment recommendations for patients postprostatectomy based on conventional imaging findings were compared to recommendations based on FACBC PET/CT findings. RESULTS: A total of 103 men underwent imaging with FACBC PET/CT. 74.8% (77) had lesions consistent with sites of prostate cancer recurrence. At PSA thresholds of <1, 1-2, and >2 ng/mL lesions were detected in 35.5%, 63.6%, and 95.2% of patients respectively (P <.001). The most common site of recurrence was outside of the pelvis (37). Detection of extraprostatic or extrapelvic recurrence was observed in 45.5% of men in the PSA tertile <1ng/mL. FACBC PET/CT results led to changes to the recommended radiotherapy treatment plan in 44.1% (15/34) of men with recurrence following radical prostatectomy. CONCLUSION: FACBC PET/CT demonstrated increased detection of recurrent prostate cancer with increasing PSA levels. Most recurrences were found outside the pelvis. Results of FACBC PET/CT changed radiotherapy management decisions in men treated with prostatectomy, supporting its use in localizing sites of disease recurrence in men with prostate cancer.

Patterns of Current Cigarette Smoking, Quit Attempts and Cessation Counseling among Survivors of Smoking-Related and Nonsmoking-Related Urological Malignancies: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Analysis.

PURPOSE: Cigarette smoking is the leading modifiable risk factor for several genitourinary malignancies. Although smoking cessation after genitourinary cancer diagnosis is a critical component of survivorship, factors related to continued smoking are under studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health Interview Survey (2014-2018). Our primary study outcome was the prevalence and correlates of cigarette smoking among adults with a history of smoking-related (kidney or bladder) urological cancer compared to a nonsmoking-related control (prostate cancer). We used regression analyses to assess the association of having a smoking-related genitourinary cancer history with continued cigarette smoking after diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were yearly smoking trends, quit attempts and reported receipt of smoking cessation counseling. RESULTS: A total of 2,664 respondents reported a history of genitourinary cancer, representing weighted estimates of 990,820 (smoking-related genitourinary cancer) and 2,616,596 (prostate cancer) adults. Survivors of smoking-related genitourinary cancers had a significantly higher overall prevalence of current cigarette use (14.8% vs 8.6%, p <0.001) and also reported more frequent receipt of counseling (79.8% vs 66.2%, p=0.02) but did not attempt to quit any more often than those with prostate cancer (52.4% vs 47.2%, p=0.44). Time trends demonstrated stable and persistent cigarette use among survivors of all genitourinary cancers. After adjustment for sociodemographic confounders, cancer type was not associated with current cigarette smoking (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.86-1.77). However, older age and more advanced educational attainment were associated with lower odds of current cigarette smoking, while single marital status was associated with higher odds. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based cross-sectional study of survivors of genitourinary cancers, those with a reported smoking-related genitourinary cancer had a higher prevalence of current cigarette smoking compared to those with prostate cancer, our nonsmoking-related control. Those with smoking-related genitourinary cancers reported more frequent receipt of smoking cessation counseling.

Patient-reported sexual quality of life after different types of radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy: Analysis of a population-based prospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Although patients with prostate cancer face many treatment options, to the authors' knowledge the comparative effects of different surgical and radiotherapy (RT) options on sexual function are unclear. METHODS: In the current study, a population-based cohort of 835 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer from 2011 through 2013 was recruited throughout North Carolina in collaboration with the Rapid Case Ascertainment system of the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry. All men were enrolled prior to treatment and followed prospectively using the validated Prostate Cancer Symptom Indices (PCSI) instrument. This analysis compares the sexual dysfunction scores of the PCSI among patients who received external-beam RT (EBRT), EBRT with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), brachytherapy, nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (RP), and non-nerve-sparing RP. Propensity scores were used to balance patient characteristics across groups, and multiple imputation was used for missing data. RESULTS: EBRT and brachytherapy resulted in similar PCSI scores through 24 months. Compared with those receiving EBRT, patients treated with EBRT with ADT and RP with or without nerve sparing were found to have worse PCSI scores at all posttreatment time points. Preservation of useful sexual function at 24 months was associated with treatment type, baseline score, and age. Predicted preservation rates were 14.1% to 70.7% for EBRT, 8.4% to 52.3% for EBRT with ADT, 4.7% to 45.3% for nerve-sparing RP, and 4.8% to 34.5% for non-nerve-sparing RP. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the current study indicate that RT alone results in the best preservation of sexual function, and brachytherapy provides similar outcomes. RT with ADT and nerve-sparing RP yielded similar outcomes, whereas patients treated with non-nerve-sparing RP experienced the worst sexual function. These results help patients to make decisions among the specific types of surgery and RT they face based on each individual's diagnosis.

Factors influencing prostate cancer treatment decisions for African American and white men.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer racial disparities in mortality outcomes are the largest in all of oncology, and less aggressive treatment received by African American (AA) patients versus white patients is likely a contributing factor. However, the reasons underlying the differences in treatment are unclear. METHODS: This study examined a prospective, population-based cohort of 1170 men with newly diagnosed nonmetastatic prostate cancer enrolled from 2011 to 2013 before treatment throughout North Carolina. By phone survey, each participant was asked to rate the aggressiveness of his cancer, and his response was compared to the actual diagnosis based on a medical record review. Participants were also asked to rate the importance of 10 factors for their treatment decision-making process. RESULTS: Among AA and white patients with low-risk cancer (according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines), 78% to 80% perceived their cancers to be "not very aggressive." However, among high-risk patients, 54% of AA patients considered their cancers to be "not very aggressive," whereas 24% of white patients did (P < .001). Although both AA and white patients indicated that a cure was a very important decision-making factor, AAs were significantly more likely to consider cost, treatment time, and recovery time as very important. In a multivariable analysis, perceived cancer aggressiveness and cure as the most important factor were significantly associated with receiving any aggressive treatment and were associated with surgery (vs radiation). After adjustments for these factors and sociodemographic factors, race was not significantly associated with the treatment received. CONCLUSIONS: Racial differences in perceived cancer aggressiveness and factors important in treatment decision making provide novel insights into reasons for the known racial disparities in prostate cancer as well as potential targets for interventions to reduce these disparities.

Comparative Effectiveness of Prostate Cancer Treatment Options: Limitations of Retrospective Analysis of Cancer Registry Data.

PURPOSE: Retrospective analyses of cancer registry and institutional data have consistently found better survival after radical prostatectomy versus radiation therapy, which contrasts with findings from a randomized trial. This is likely because of the inability of retrospective studies to fully account for comorbidity differences across treatment groups because of the lack of detailed data in the registries. We use a unique population-based data set with detailed data regarding comorbidities and functional limitations to assess whether this can provide valid comparisons of survival across prostate cancer treatment groups. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (MHOS) data set results from a linkage between the SEER database and the MHOS database, which includes detailed information regarding patient-reported comorbidity and functional limitations. We analyzed 3102 patients with prostate cancer in SEER-MHOS and used latent class analysis to identify the healthiest group with minimal comorbidity burden and functional limitations. Among the healthiest group, we examined overall survival across treatments using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Three distinct health groups were identified using latent class analysis; the healthiest group comprised 57% of the cohort and had a 10-year overall survival of 67%. Other health groups had higher rates of comorbidities or functional limitations. Among the healthiest group, 10-year overall survival differed across treatment groups: no local treatment (55%), external beam radiation therapy (69%), brachytherapy (76%), and radical prostatectomy (85%). Survival curves for the 3 treated groups separated at 4 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the detailed health status information available in SEER-MHOS, our retrospective analysis could not fully account for patient selection biases across prostate cancer treatment groups. These findings highlight an important limitation of retrospective studies using population-based data sets and serve as a reminder to interpret results with caution.

Total Medicare Costs Associated With Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer in Elderly Men.

Importance: Localized prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment among elderly men who are not likely to benefit represents a potential source of low-value health care services. Objective: To quantify the costs to the Medicare program associated with detection and treatment of prostate cancer among elderly men in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants: This nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study uses the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database to identify men 70 years or older diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 2004 and 2007 and to ascertain Medicare costs associated with diagnosis and workup, treatment, follow-up, and morbidity management of the disease. National Medicare costs were estimated using per-person costs, stage-adjusted prostate cancer incidence rates by age from SEER 2007 through 2011, and 2010 Census population estimates by age. Main Outcomes and Measures: Estimated costs to the Medicare program overall, and in each (mutually exclusive) category related to diagnosis and workup, treatment, follow-up, and morbidity management. Results: This nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study included 49 692 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer from the SEER-Medicare database (all participants were 70 years or older; 25 981 [52.3%] were 76 years or older). The median per-patient cost within 3 years after prostate cancer diagnosis was $14 453 (interquartile range [IQR], $4887-$27 899). The majority of this cost was attributable to treatment costs (median, $10 558; IQR, $1990-$23 718). Patients with a Gleason score of 6 or lower who pursued initial conservative management (no treatment within 12 months of diagnosis) had a 3-year median total cost of $1914 per patient. The estimated total 3-year cost to the Medicare program associated with the annual detection of prostate cancer in men 70 years or older is approximately $1.2 billion. Increasing active surveillance use in those with Gleason score of 6 or lower could reduce this cost by $320 million. Conclusions and Relevance: There is substantial cost to the Medicare program associated with the diagnosis and treatment of localized prostate cancer among elderly men in the United States, despite the fact that these men are unlikely to die of prostate cancer. The majority of costs are related to treatment. Reducing provision of low-value health care services among this patient population could result in significant health care savings.