What can patient-reported experience measures tell us about the variation in patients' experience of prostate cancer care? A cross-sectional study using survey data from the National Prostate Cancer Audit in England

OBJECTIVES

A national survey aimed to measure how men with prostate cancer perceived their involvement in and decisions around their care immediately after diagnosis. This study aimed to describe any differences found by socio-demographic groups.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of men who were diagnosed with and treated for prostate cancer.

SETTING

The National Prostate Cancer Audit patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) survey in England.

PARTICIPANTS

Men diagnosed in 2014-2016, with non-metastatic prostate cancer, were surveyed. Responses from 32 796 men were individually linked to records from a national clinical audit and to administrative hospital data. Age, ethnicity, deprivation and disease risk classification were used to explore variation in responses to selected questions.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Responses to five questions from the PREMs survey: the proportion responding to the highest positive category was compared across the socio-demographic characteristics above.

RESULTS

When adjusted for other factors, older men were less likely than men under the age of 60 to feel side effects had been explained in a way they could understand (men 80+: relative risk (RR)=0.92, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.00), that their views were considered (RR=0.79, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.87) or that they were involved in decisions (RR=0.92, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.00). The latter was also apparent for men who were not white (black men: RR=0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.98; Asian men: RR=0.85, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.96) and, to a lesser extent, for more deprived men.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed discrepancies highlight the need for more focus on initiatives to improve the experience of ethnic minority patients and those older than 60 years. The findings also argue for further validation of discriminatory instruments to help cancer care providers fully understand the variation in the experience of their patients.

Organisation and delivery of supportive services for patients with prostate cancer in the National Health Service in England and Wales: a national cross-sectional hospital survey and latent class analysis

OBJECTIVES

We assessed how often National Health Service (NHS) hospitals reported that they had specific supportive services for patients with prostate cancer available onsite, including nursing support, sexual function and urinary continence services, psychological and genetic counselling, and oncogeriatric services. We identified groups of hospitals with similar patterns of supportive services.

DESIGN/SETTING

We conducted an organisational survey in 2021 of all NHS hospitals providing prostate cancer services in England and Wales. Latent class analysis grouped hospitals with similar patterns of supportive services.

RESULTS

In 138 hospitals, an advanced prostate cancer nurse was available in 125 hospitals (90.6%), 107 (77.5%) had a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) attending all clinics, 103 (75.7%) had sexual function services, 111 (81.6%) had continence services and 93 (69.4%) psychological counselling. The availability of genetic counselling (41 hospitals, 30.6%) and oncogeriatric services (15 hospitals, 11.0%) was lower. The hospitals could be divided into three groups. The first and largest group of 85 hospitals provided the most comprehensive supportive services onsite: all hospitals had a CNS attending all clinics, 84 (98.8%) sexual function services and 73 (85.9%) continence services. A key characteristic of the second group of 31 hospitals was that none had a CNS attending all clinics. A key characteristic of the third group of 22 hospitals was that none had sexual function services available. The hospitals in the largest group were more likely to run joint clinics (p<0.001) and host the regional specialist multidisciplinary team (p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable variation in supportive services for prostate cancer available onsite in NHS hospitals in England and Wales. Availability of genetic counselling and oncogeriatric services is low. The different patterns of supportive services among hospitals demonstrate that initiatives to improve the availability of the entire range of supportive services to all patients should be carefully targeted.

Influence of molecular imaging on patient selection for treatment intensification prior to salvage radiation therapy for prostate cancer: A post hoc analysis of the PROPS trial

316

Background: The impact of molecular imaging (MI) on patient management after biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy has been described in many studies. However, it is not known if MI-induced management changes are appropriate. This study aimed to determine if androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) management plan is improved by MI in patients who are candidates for salvage radiation therapy. Methods: Data were analyzed from the multicenter prospective PROPS trial evaluating PSMA/Choline PET in patients being considered for salvage radiotherapy (sRT) with BCR after prostatectomy. We compared the pre- and post-MI ADT management plans for each patient and cancer outcomes as predicted by the MSKCC nomogram. A higher percentage of predicted BCR associated with ADT treatment intensification after MI was considered as an improvement in a patient’s management. Results: Seventy-three patients with a median PSA of 0.38 ng/mL were included. In bivariate analysis, a positive finding on MI (local or metastatic) was associated with decision to use ADT with an odds ratio of 3.67 (95% CI, 1.25 to 10.71; p=0.02). No factor included in the nomogram was associated with decision to use ADT. Also, MI improved selection of patients to receive ADT based on predicted BCR after sRT: the predicted nomogram 5-year biochemical-free survivals were 52.5 % and 43.3%, (mean difference, 9.2%; 95% CI 0.8 to 17.6; p=0.03) for sRT alone and ADT±sRT subgroups, while there was no statistically significant difference between subgroups before MI. Conclusions: PSMA and/or Choline PET/CT before sRT can potentially improve patient ADT management by directing clinicians towards more appropriate intensification.

Delphi study to identify consensus on patient selection for hydrogel rectal spacer use during radiation therapy for prostate cancer in the UK

OBJECTIVES

To identify consensus on patient prioritisation for rectal hydrogel spacer use during radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer in the UK.

DESIGN

Delphi study consisting of two rounds of online questionnaires, two virtual advisory board meetings and a final online questionnaire.

SETTING

Radical radiation therapy for localised and locally advanced prostate cancer in the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Six leading clinical oncologists and one urologist from across the UK.

INTERVENTIONS

Rectal hydrogel spacer.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

None reported.

RESULTS

The panel reached consensus on the importance of minimising toxicity for treatments with curative intent and that even low-grade toxicity-related adverse events can significantly impact quality of life. There was agreement that despite meeting rectal dose constraints, too many patients experience rectal toxicity and that rectal hydrogel spacers in eligible patients significantly reduces toxicity-related adverse events. However, as a consequence of funding limitations, patients need to be prioritised for spacer use. A higher benefit of spacers can be expected in patients on anticoagulation and in patients with diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease, but consensus could not be reached regarding patient groups expected to benefit less. While radiation therapy regimen is not a main factor determining prioritisation, higher benefit is expected in ultrahypofractionated regimens.

CONCLUSION

There is a strong and general agreement that all patients with prostate cancer undergoing radical radiation therapy have the potential to benefit from hydrogel spacers. Currently, not all patients who could potentially benefit can access hydrogel spacers, and access is unequal. Implementation of the consensus recommendations would likely help prioritise and equalise access to rectal spacers for patients in the UK.

Reversing the Friday peak in metastatic cord compression referrals: Not as simple as previously thought?

e14050

Background: Historically, metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) referrals trend towards a Friday peak in incidence (Koiter E, Radioth Onc 2013). However, data from a single, tertiary centre in the UK showed a reversal in the Friday peak (Adeleke S, Annals of Oncology 2020). This was attributed to early case referrals and quicker treatment decisions. In this new study, we explored whether a similar pattern was apparent in multiple district general hospital (DGH) settings and attempt to identify underlying causes. DGHs manage a larger proportion of cancer patients in the UK. Methods: 1,069 patients between 1 Jan 2015 and 31 Dec 2020 were identified across 4 hospitals in Kent, UK with a population of 1.6 million people. 220, 181, 182, 159, 134 and 193 MSCC patients were identified annually (2015-2020). Commonest cancers were prostate (24.1%), lung (19.3%) and breast (12.3%). Thoracic and lumbar regions constituted 80% of MSCC sites. Kruskal Wallis was used to compare differences in referrals across weekdays. Data was then dichotomised to Fridays only vs. other days of the week combined, as previously reported (De Bono B, Acta Neurochir 2019). Chi squared was used to compare frequency of referrals between the two groups. Chi squared goodness of fit test was conducted to detect if Friday reflected the day with highest referrals across the week. Results: Across the region, 2015 saw the highest number of Friday referrals relative to other days, p= 0.002. Friday referrals continued to drop, year on year, until 2018 with a corresponding increase in mid-week referrals. After 2018, there was a return in trend to a further Friday peak across the region, though p= 0.836. On an individual hospital basis, the persistent Friday peak in the region was driven by two hospitals. Having a 7-day acute oncology service (AOS), 7-day radiology reporting and single referral point of contact in the department, were factors identified that kept the referrals across the week uniform. On another note, a substantial shift towards a single 8Gy fraction vs. 20Gy in 5 fractions was observed across the region. This change coincided with SCORAD III data (Hoskin P, ASCO 2017) and demonstrates adherence to evidence-based practice in the region. Conclusions: This large multi-centre retrospective study shows a differential referral pattern in the region, with hospitals with 7-day AOS/Radiology reporting and single point of referral (e.g, similar to MSCC coordinator role) having a quicker treatment turnaround and uniform referrals across the week. The MSCC coordinator has been shown to streamline service, ensure timely decision-making and improved survival outcomes (Richards L, Spine J 2017). The role is recommended by NICE UK. DGHs should consider appointing an MSCC coordinator when designing/auditing their service. The shift towards single 8Gy fraction can provide a ‘one-stop’ service where patients are scanned, planned and treated on the same day.

MRI and targeted biopsies compared to transperineal mapping biopsies for targeted ablation in recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy: Primary outcomes of the FORECAST trial

5009

Background: Radiotherapy is a common and effective treatment for localised prostate cancer. However, recurrence of cancer can occur in 10-15% of men in the following 5 years. Most patients with recurrence are managed using hormonal therapy with associated systemic side-effects and subsequent development of castrate resistance. Salvage prostatectomy confers a high risk of urine incontinence and rectal injury. Accurately localising and ablating only areas of recurrence within the prostate might be effective with fewer side-effects. The FOcal RECurrent Assessment and Salvage Treatment (FORECAST) trial assessed this diagnostic and treatment pathway for men with radiorecurrent cancer (NCT01883128). Methods: We first compared the accuracy of multi-parametric MRI (mp-MRI) and MRI-targeted biopsy in identifying areas of recurrent cancer to a transperineal template prostate mapping (TTPM) biopsy (Apr/2014-Jan/2018) in 181 patients from 6 UK centres. We then assessed the functional and cancer control outcomes of focally ablating areas of intraprostatic recurrence in 93 patients with localised or metastatic cancer (using cryotherapy or HIFU). Primary outcomes were sensitivity of mpMRI and MRI-targeted biopsies and urinary continence after focal ablation. A key secondary outcome was progression free survival (PFS) defined as no new metastases or hormone use (localised group only), or chemotherapy or further local treatment. Results: Of 181 men with suspicion of recurrence following radiotherapy, re-staging whole-body imaging (Choline PET and Bone Scan) showed localised disease in 128 (71%), nodal disease only in 13 (7%) and 38 (21%) metastatic. The sensitivity of MRI-targeted biopsy was 92% (95%CI 83-97%). Specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, were 75% (95%CI 45-92%), 94% (95%CI 86-98%) and 65% (95%CI 38-86%). 4/72 (6%) cancers were missed on TTPM biopsies alone and 6/72 (8%) were missed on MRI-targeted biopsies alone. Overall sensitivity of mpMRI was 81% (95%CI 73-88%) using Likert score 4-5 to denote a positive test. Specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, were 88% (95%CI 73-98%), 96% (95%CI 90-99%) and 57% (95%CI 42-70%). In the 93 men undergoing focal ablation, urinary continence was preserved in 78/93 (84%); 5/93 (5%) had a CTCAE grade 3+ adverse events. There were no rectal injuries. With a median follow-up of 27.8 [SD 1.3] months, PFS was 66% [54-75] at 24-months. Metastases-free survival in the 73 men with localised disease was 80% [95%CI 68–88] at 24-months. There were no cancer specific deaths. Conclusions: Prostate mpMRI and MRI-targeted biopsies can accurately detect and localise recurrent prostate cancer following radiotherapy. Focal ablation to areas of intra-prostatic recurrence preserves continence in the majority of men with good cancer control. Clinical trial information: NCT01883128.

Radical prostate radiotherapy and the use of androgen deprivation in the era of risk stratification: Does real-world practice follow the evidence?

216

Background: Prostate cancer is a common condition with varied pathologies based on stage, grade and presenting PSA allowing non-metastatic cases to be risk stratified at presentation. There is an evidence base for the use of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) combined with radical radiation showing a survival benefit but with an increase in patient morbidity. Prostate cancer risk stratification can be used to guide ADT therapy duration to reduce toxicity but it is unknown how closely these guidelines are followed internationally. Methods: A cross sectional survey collecting data on 15,255 patients with prostate cancer was conducted across 5 European countries and Japan. Data was interrogated to provide real-world evidence for ADT prescribing in combination with radical radiotherapy treatment and compared against the available evidence base and international best practice guidelines. Results: 3,393 patients were included in data analysis; 53% were high risk, 35% intermediate, and 12% low risk cases. 48% of patients were ages 71-80yrs with 10% being aged over 80. Data, including proposed length of hormone treatment was available for 2,832 patients. Concordance to the evidence base was good for high- and low-risk prostate cancer patients (64% and 96% respectively) but there was more disparity in the intermediate risk group with a concordance rate of only 28%. Conclusions: The data was robust enough to be interrogated and produce meaningful results. Concordance to the evidence base was high in both high and low risk disease although there was a tendency towards over-treatment in both these groups in some of the countries included. There was significant disparity in the intermediate risk group with evidence of both over- and potential under-treatment across all countries. Any potential over treatment with ADT needs to take account of the known evidence base and the potential for bone and metabolic toxicities. The data suggests that guidelines offering greater clarity on the role of ADT in intermediate risk prostate cancer may be beneficial.

Impact of 18F-fluciclovine PET on salvage radiotherapy plans for men with post-radical prostatectomy recurrence of prostate cancer

19

Background: Imaging options to localize lesions in men with biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy (RP) are limited, especially at low PSA levels. Consequently, radiation oncologists typically target the prostate bed (PB) with or without pelvic lymph nodes (LN) based on clinical or pathologic features. The FALCON study (NCT02578940) evaluated the clinical benefit of 18F-fluciclovine PET through its impact on management plans for men with BCR. Here, we report the impact on salvage radiotherapy (RT) decisions in men post-RP. Methods: Men with a first BCR episode following curative-intent therapy who were being considered for salvage therapy underwent 18F-fluciclovine PET at one of 6 UK sites. Physicians documented patients’ treatment plans pre- and post-scan. Imaging results and management plans were stratified by prior treatment as determined from patient records. Results: Sixty-five (63%) of the 104 FALCON patients had undergone RP. Of these, 62 (median PSA, 0.32 ng/mL) had a pre-scan plan for salvage RT. Lesions were found in 21 (34%) patients (median PSA, 0.32 ng/mL), of whom 10 (16%; median PSA, 0.54 ng/mL) had extraprostatic findings (Table). Post-scan, 25 (40%) men had a management change, 17 (68%) due to a positive scan. Of the 25 post-scan revisions, 17 (68%) were changes to the treatment modality: 8 to systemic therapy, 8 to watchful waiting, 1 other. A further 8 (32%) men had RT fields modified: PB alone modified to include a boost to a 18F-fluciclovine-avid lesion (n = 7) or whole pelvis field refocused on a smaller area (n = 1). Conclusions: Two fifths of men scheduled to undergo salvage RT after RP had their management plan revised following 18F-fluciclovine PET. The majority of changes involved a completely new treatment modality. Future studies to evaluate the clinical outcomes of such changes are warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT02578940. [Table: see text]

Localising occult prostate cancer metastasis with advanced imaging techniques (LOCATE trial): a prospective cohort, observational diagnostic accuracy trial investigating whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in radio-recurrent prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Accurate whole-body staging following biochemical relapse in prostate cancer is vital in determining the optimum disease management. Current imaging guidelines recommend various imaging platforms such as computed tomography (CT), Technetium 99 m (99mTc) bone scan and 18F-choline and recently 68Ga-PSMA positron emission tomography (PET) for the evaluation of the extent of disease. Such approach requires multiple hospital attendances and can be time and resource intensive. Recently, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) has been used in a single visit scanning session for several malignancies, including prostate cancer, with promising results, providing similar accuracy compared to the combined conventional imaging techniques. The LOCATE trial aims to investigate the application of WB-MRI for re-staging of patients with biochemical relapse (BCR) following external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy in patients with prostate cancer.

METHODS/DESIGN

The LOCATE trial is a prospective cohort, multi-centre, non-randomised, diagnostic accuracy study comparing WB-MRI and conventional imaging. Eligible patients will undergo WB-MRI in addition to conventional imaging investigations at the time of BCR and will be asked to attend a second WB-MRI exam, 12-months following the initial scan. WB-MRI results will be compared to an enhanced reference standard comprising all the initial, follow-up imaging and non-imaging investigations. The diagnostic performance (sensitivity and specificity analysis) of WB-MRI for re-staging of BCR will be investigated against the enhanced reference standard on a per-patient basis. An economic analysis of WB-MRI compared to conventional imaging pathways will be performed to inform the cost-effectiveness of the WB-MRI imaging pathway. Additionally, an exploratory sub-study will be performed on blood samples and exosome-derived human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) dimer measurements will be taken to investigate its significance in this cohort.

DISCUSSION

The LOCATE trial will compare WB-MRI versus the conventional imaging pathway including its cost-effectiveness, therefore informing the most accurate and efficient imaging pathway.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

LOCATE trial was registered on ClinicalTrial.gov on 18th of October 2016 with registration reference number NCT02935816.

Computer modelling in prostate anticancer therapy (COMPACT)

e16528

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common solid malignancy in men and despite improving radical therapies a proportion of patients will develop castrate resistant metastatic disease (mCRPC). Therapeutic options in mCRPC include abiraterone acetate and prednisolone (AA+P), enzalutamide (E) and docetaxel (D) with limited evidence to guide clinical choice between agents. COMPACT aims to collate data from multiple data sets within one hospital to assess clinical or biochemical factors that may guide therapeutic strategy. Methods: Data was collated on all patients recorded as receiving therapy with AA+P, E or D in the metastatic castrate resistant setting from the chemotherapy prescribing and dispensing systems and the pathology system at University College Hospital, London. Individual clinical notes were reviewed to determine the reason for stopping therapies. Data was collated in one dataset and analysed to present baseline demographic data. The log-rank test was used to analyse differences in the retention rate among AA+P, E and D. Results: 598 individual treatments were identified in 441 patients. 172 patients received AA+P, 119 E and 307 D with a mean age at treatment initiation of 74.1, 76.8 and 69.5 years respectively. Of the 144 patients receiving two or more treatment lines, 62% (n = 89) received D prior to either AA+P or E. E was first line therapy in 18% (n = 26) and AA+P in 20% (n = 29). 5 (3.5%) patients transferred directly from AA+P to E and 12 (8%) from E to AA+P. Kaplan Meir estimates for time to retention show no statistically significant differences when directly comparing AA+P, E and D on univariate analysis with chi squared test (AA+P vs E = 0.3609, p = 0.558 D vs E = 0.365, p = 0.5457, D vs AA+P = 0.0136 p = 0.9072). Conclusions: The COMPACT study has confirmed that it is feasible for single institutions to retrospectively review real world data from different sources, combining it into a workable database. Patient numbers were sufficient to statistically analyse the data for specific clinical factors that may correlate to a prolonged biochemical response to AA+P, E or D therapy. The failure to detect a statistically significant difference between therapies on univariate analysis may confirm that all three are acceptable treatments in mCRPC.

Late toxicity described using patient reported outcomes measures (PROMS) in men treated with salvage radiation following primary high intensity focal ultrasound (HIFU) for localized prostate cancer

131

Background: In primary treatment of localised prostate cancer, minimally invasive ablative therapies such as HIFU aim to achieve cancer control whilst offering a potentially favourable toxicity profile. At 5 years median follow up, 12% of patients treated with focal HIFU require salvage therapy. PROMS using Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC‐CP) provide a validated and clinically relevant tool to assess and quantify side effects from pelvic radiotherapy. There is limited data on late toxicity using PROMs with salvage radiotherapy in this setting. Methods: Retrospective analysis from prospectively collected data of 28 patients who received salvage radiotherapy at our institution 2010-2018 was performed. Late bowel and urinary toxicity measured by EPIC-CP is reported. Results: Gleason score at diagnosis: 3+3 4/28; 3+4 22/28; 4+3 2/28. HIFU treatment received: focal: 9/28; whole gland: 6/28; focal and redo focal: 7/28; focal and redo whole gland: 1/28; whole gland and redo: 5/28. All patients had mpMRI and biopsy proven recurrence with median PSA 6.6 ng/ml (0.57- 30.89). Median age at radiation was 67 years (55-80). Patients received 74 Gy to the prostate and 4 patients received additional pelvic lymph node irradiation. Three men received conformal radiotherapy (multiphase technique) and 25 arcing intensity modulated radiotherapy with hormone therapy as per risk stratification. Cumulative incidence of toxicity is reported at median follow-up of 43 months (7-99). Overall urinary function: no problem 8/28; very small problem 4/28; small problem 7/28; moderate problem 5/28; big problem 4/28 Urinary Incontinence Symptom Score: 2.5/12 (0-12) Urinary Irritation /Obstructive Symptom Score: 3.1/12 (0-12) Bowel Symptom Score: 3.5/12 (0-11) Biochemical relapse has occurred in 2/28 patients. Conclusions: Functional and oncological outcomes for a greater number of patients treated with minimally invasive ablative therapies followed by salvage radiation are required, however this data suggests radiation is a well-tolerated and effective salvage option following primary HIFU.

A phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of enzalutamide in men with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Post-hoc analysis of PROSPER by prior therapy

185

Background: Men with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) are at high risk of developing metastatic CRPC. In the primary analysis of PROSPER, enzalutamide (ENZA) provided a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in metastasis-free survival (MFS) in men with nmCRPC. Here we report the impact of prior therapy on MFS. Methods: Eligible men with nmCRPC, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time ≤ 10 months, and PSA ≥ 2 ng/mL at screening continued androgen deprivation therapy and were randomized 2:1 to ENZA 160 mg or placebo (PBO). The primary endpoint was MFS. Results: 1401 men were enrolled, with a median age of 74 y (range, 50-95 y). In all men, ENZA reduced the risk of metastasis or death by 71% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.35; P < .0001). The treatment effect consistently favored ENZA regardless of whether men had prior bilateral orchiectomy, prior radiation, ≤1 or > 1 prior hormonal therapy, or prior bone-targeting therapy (Table). Men who received > 1 prior hormonal therapy had a shorter median MFS than those who received ≤1 line of hormonal therapy (5 months and 3 months in the ENZA and PBO groups, respectively). Conclusions: In men with nmCRPC and rapidly rising PSA, ENZA treatment resulted in a clinically meaningful reduction in the risk of developing metastases or death irrespective of prior surgery, radiation, or bone-targeting therapy. MFS was longer in men who had received ≤1 prior hormonal therapy. Clinical trial information: NCT02003924. [Table: see text]

Intermittent bicalutamide in recurrent non-metastatic castrate sensitive prostate cancer: A single institution experience

307

Background: Despite radical treatment, a proportion of men with prostate cancer will develop localized recurrence. Intermittent LHRH analogue (LHRHa) therapy has shown equivalence to long-term hormone manipulation with reduced toxicity. The non-steroidal competitive androgen receptor antagonist, bicalutamide, offers disease control with a further reduced toxicity profile. We report our institution’s experience of intermittent bicalutamide therapy (IBT) in recurrent non-metastatic castrate sensitive disease. Methods: Patients with biochemical recurrence and non-metastatic status on conventional imaging treated with IBT April 2016-November 2017 are reported. Previous LHRHa in the radical setting was allowed if testosterone recovery had occurred. For inclusion, one full course of IBT therapy had to be completed and treatment break commenced. Dose was 150mg with all other treatment decisions were at clinician discretion. Results: 103 men were identified with 4 were excluded due to insufficient data or failure to start treatment break. Mean age at initial diagnosis was 64.5yrs and, at commencement of IBT, 71.7. Mean overall time on IBT was 47months (20 and 27 months on and off treatment respectively). The longest recorded time on IBT was 153 months. 1 patient completed 8cycles of IBT. Mean number of cycles was 2.8 (range 1-8). Mean length of treatment break reduced with successive cycles of therapy measuring less than time on treatment after cycle 4. Of 39 patients with follow up therapies recorded, 77% received continuous bicalutamide as second line therapy. Conclusions: IBT offers a valid alternative to intermittent LHRHa therapy in recurrent non-metastatic castrate sensitive prostate cancer with the advantage of an improved toxicity profile benefiting patients. Further work to assess long-term outcomes in this patient population is warranted.[Table: see text]

Discussion of "Combining Health Data Uses to Ignite Health System Learning"

This article is part of a For-Discussion-Section of Methods of Information in Medicine about the paper "Combining Health Data Uses to Ignite Health System Learning" written by John D. Ainsworth and Iain E. Buchan [1]. It is introduced by an editorial. This article contains the combined commentaries invited to independently comment on the paper of Ainsworth and Buchan. In subsequent issues the discussion can continue through letters to the editor. With these comments on the paper "Combining Health Data Uses to Ignite Health System Learning", written by John D. Ainsworth and Iain E. Buchan [1], the journal seeks to stimulate a broad discussion on new ways for combining data sources for the reuse of health data in order to identify new opportunities for health system learning. An international group of experts has been invited by the editor of Methods to comment on this paper. Each of the invited commentaries forms one section of this paper.

The comparative values of bone marrow aspirate and trephine for obtaining bone scan-targeted metastases from hormone-refractory prostate cancer

Samples of metastatic prostate cancer to bone are difficult to obtain. The aim of this study was to compare the results of bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy for obtaining metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) samples using previous diagnostic planar 99(m)Tc-HDP bone scans to guide the procedure. All samples taken were for the purposes of research and molecular studies on HRPC. Twenty patients with HRPC had bone marrow aspirate and trephines taken from lesions in the posterior superior iliac spine or sacro-iliac region when shown on diagnostic 99(m)Tc-HDP bone scans. Three patients also underwent plain X-ray, 18F-positron emission tomography bone scan, pelvic MRI scan and 99(m)Tc nanocolloid bone marrow scans. These images were used to assess if the extra imaging information provided, such as three-dimensional localisation of the bone metastases, was of value for target bone metastases. Cancer cells were obtained in 15/20 (75%) cases in which a trephine biopsy was attempted and 0/20 of cases in which a bone marrow aspiration was attempted. The additional information provided by the range of other imaging investigations was of little benefit in obtaining tumour samples, but did suggest why negative biopsies were obtained in some cases after targeting with planar bone scans. We recommend the use of bone marrow trephine biopsy alone, guided by previous diagnostic 99(m)Tc planar bone scan as a practical method to obtain prostate cancer cells from bone metastases.

First report of an isolated jejunal seminoma: presentation with melaena and iron deficiency anaemia

We present the case history of a man with isolated seminoma in the jejunum and abnormal testes but no provable malignant testicular disease. Treatment with cisplatin-based chemotherapy led to complete resolution of the jejunal seminoma. The rarity of seminoma involving the small bowel is highlighted. A literature search did not reveal other similar cases of isolated seminoma affecting the jejunum. The possible origins of this tumour are discussed.

Current trends in colorectal cancer: site, incidence, mortality and survival in England and Wales

The objective was to examine trends in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality in England and Wales over the last 30 years. Age-standardized incidence, mortality and survival rates for CRC, based on data from the National Cancer Intelligence Centre at the Office for National Statistics, were calculated and trends assessed. Between 1971 and 1997 the total number of cases of CRC increased by 42%, from 20,400 to 28,900. The site distribution of CRC between 1971 and 1994 was: rectum 38%, sigmoid 29%, caecum 15%, transverse colon and flexures 10%, ascending colon 5%, and descending colon 3%. Between 1971 and 1997 the direct age-standardized incidence increased by 20% in males and by 5% in females. The direct age-standardized mortality fell by 24% in males and by 37% in females. Age-standardized relative 5-year survival in adults improved from 22%-27% for patients diagnosed during 1971-1975 to over 40% for those diagnosed during the period 1991-1993. In conclusion, the incidence of CRC in England and Wales has been steadily rising. It is more common in males and has increased more rapidly in males than in females. The reasons for these trends remain unclear. Five-year survival has improved substantially, but rates are still below those in comparable countries elsewhere in Europe and in the USA.

Trends in testicular carcinoma in England and Wales, 1971-99

OBJECTIVES

To examine incidence, mortality and survival trends in England and Wales for testicular cancer, using the recently developed national cancer and national mortality databases.

METHODS

The directly age-standardized incidence rates for testicular cancer in England and Wales were calculated for the period 1971-97 and age-standardized mortality for years 1971-99. Trends in the data were then assessed, including the influence of social deprivation on testicular cancer incidence and survival.

RESULTS

The number of newly diagnosed cases of testicular carcinoma in 1971-97 in England and Wales increased from almost 650 to 1400. The age-standardized rates were 2.9 per 100000 cases in 1971 and 5.4 per 100000 in 1997, an increase of 88% over 26 years. There was a large decrease in mortality since the mid-1970s, with an age-standardized mortality of < 0.5 per 100000 since 1985. For men with testicular carcinoma diagnosed in 1991-93, the 1-year relative survival was almost 98% and 5-year relative survival almost 95%, compared with 82% and 69%, respectively, for men diagnosed during 1971-75. There is a 'deprivation gap' for the 5-year survival of > 6% in favour of the most affluent socio-economic group, with no significant change over recent years.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of testicular cancer is increasing in England and Wales, consistent with the trend documented in other developed countries. The reduction in mortality has been marked since the mid-1970s, reflecting improved cancer management, in particular the introduction of platinum-based chemotherapy regimens for advanced disease. Survival rates in England and Wales are as good as in other European countries. Further developments in chemotherapy are unlikely to produce such a marked improvement in survival rates again, and minimizing the effect of social status on survival rates should be an important target of future care.

Bittering agents: their potential application in reducing ingestions of engine coolants and windshield wash

Ethylene glycol automobile engine coolants and methanol-based windshield washer liquids are toxic. Despite international attempts to improve the safety of these products through better labelling and packaging, accidental and intentional ingestions continue a source of poisonings worldwide. The rejection of bitter tasting substances forms part of the human defense against ingestion of harmful substances. Denatonium benzoate (DB) is currently recognised as a means to prevent ingestion of ethyl alcohol intended for industrial use. This study investigated the use of this bitter substance also as a deterrent against ingesting ethylene glycol and methanol. The palatability of ethylene glycol and methanol with and without the addition of DB was assessed using a human taste panel; 30 ppm DB rendered each product intolerable to the panel. The addition of DB to ethylene glycol engine coolants and methanol-based windshield washer liquids at low concentrations could afford protection against accidental ingestions.

Recovery from primary pontine hemorrhage

A patient with primary pontine hemorrhage showed typical ocular bobbing with only mild alteration of mental status. Serial CT scans showed resolution of the hemorrhage and correlated with clinical improvement.