2Department of Medical Oncology, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Faculty of Medicine, Muğla-Turkey
3Department of Urology, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Faculty of Medicine, Muğla-Turkey DOI : 10.5505/tjo.2020.2461 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.