Dr. Patel and Dr. Aworunse discuss prostate cancer among US veterans

In this video, Mital Patel, MD, and Olubiyi Aworunse, MD, MPH, PhD, discuss next steps and the take-home message from the JU Open Plus study “Practice Patterns and Patient Experience of Care Among US Veterans with Prostate Cancer: A 10-Year Scoping Review.”

Transcription:

What are next steps following this research?

Awonrunse: I would suggest that further research be done to confirm the factors associated with the practice pattern differences, especially given the potential negative impacts on care with non determinative treatment. Also, we would like to see research into methods that mitigate the adverse effects of radiation among veterans. Hopefully, with this study driving awareness, more investigators will implement direct research on prostate cancer treatment outcomes within the VA Health Care System.

What is the take-home message for the practicing urologist?

Patel: We hope that this paper encourages urologists to rethink non definitive treatment/active surveillance for prostate cancer and consider definitive treatment options earlier in the treatment pathway based on evidence that has accumulated. Moreover, we hope urologists speak with veteran patients to learn more about the treatment goals and concerns when definitive treatment for prostate cancer is a good option. I think having that dialogue is very important. Having these conversations will enable the patients to receive the appropriate treatment at an earlier stage, as opposed to prolonged watchful waiting. When it comes to discussing radiation therapy, this review showed that radiation therapy with perirectal spacers should be considered and discussed when exploring concerns that patients may have regarding side effects and benefits of various choices for prostate cancer therapy.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Awonrunse: This study focused on a very important population that is at a high risk of prostate cancer compared with the general population. So we hope that this paper starts a discussion [and highlights] the need for more research into the veterans health care system, that our veterans are vulnerable to having a higher incidence of prostate cancer and hopefully, to get better research [that leads to] better clinical outcomes for our veterans.

This transcription was edited for clarity.