scholarly journals Gender, Productivity, and Philanthropic Fundraising in Academic Oncology

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 1401-1406
Author(s):  
Subha Perni ◽  
Danielle Bitterman ◽  
Jennifer Ryan ◽  
Julie K. Silver ◽  
Eileen Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Gender Disparities ◽  
Academic Rank ◽  
Hirsch Index ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Radiation Oncologists ◽  
Medical Oncologists ◽  
Disease Site ◽  
Multivariable Analyses

Background: Philanthropic donations are important funding sources in academic oncology but may be vulnerable to implicit or explicit biases toward women. However, the influence of gender on donations has not been assessed quantitatively. Methods: We queried a large academic cancer center’s development database for donations over 10 years to the sundry funds of medical and radiation oncologists. Types of donations and total amounts for medical oncologists and radiation oncologists hired prior to April 1, 2018 (allowing ≥2 years on faculty prior to query), were obtained. We also obtained publicly available data on physician/academic rank, gender, specialty, disease site, and Hirsch-index (h-index), a metric of productivity. Results: We identified 127 physicians: 64% men and 36% women. Median h-index was higher for men (31; range, 1–100) than women (17; range, 3–77; P=.003). Men were also more likely to have spent more time at the institution (median, 15 years; range, 2–43 years) than women (median, 12.5 years; range, 3–22 years; P=.025). Those receiving donations were significantly more likely to be men (70% vs 30%; P=.034). Men received significantly higher median amounts ($259,474; range, $0–$29,507,784) versus women ($37,485; range, $0–$7,483,726; P=.019). On multivariable analysis, only h-index and senior academic rank were associated with donation receipt, and only h-index with donation amount. Conclusions: We found significant gender disparities in receipt of philanthropic donations on unadjusted analyses. However, on multivariable analyses, only productivity and rank were significantly associated with donations, suggesting gender disparities in productivity and promotions may contribute to these differences.

Use of the Internet to connect radiation oncologists and medical oncologists with disease site-specific experts: 3-year outcomes of chartrounds.com.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 241-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia H. Hardenbergh ◽  
Brigitta Gehl ◽  
Kimberly Anne Lyons-Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Oncology ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Medical Oncology ◽  
Tumor Board ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Radiation Oncologists ◽  
Medical Oncologists ◽  
Tumor Boards ◽  
Disease Site ◽  
The Impact

241 Background: The purpose of this project is to improve the quality of cancer care by connecting disease site-specific experts with community oncologists through web-based technology. Methods: Chartrounds.com is a conferencing web-site developed to allow community oncologists to present real cases to disease site specialists in oncology on a scheduled basis. Chartrounds was developed initially for radiation oncologists and subsequently has expanded to include multidisciplinary tumor boards and medical oncology specific sessions. Presently 43 disease site expert oncologists including surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists from 38 academic institutions in the US host sessions. Feedback reports following the completion of each session were designed to assess the impact of the project. Results: Since its inception in December 2010, 43 disease site-specialists have lead 366 sessions, connecting 3,793 participating oncologists from all 50 US states and 24 countries.Broken down by specialty, 348 radiation oncology sessions have linked 3,632 participants, 14 medical oncology specific and multidisciplinary tumor board sessions have included 161 participants. On a 5 point Likert scale with 5 representing the greatest possible impact, the mean response to feedback questions is as follows: session quality: 4.7 for radiation oncology, 4.6 for multidisciplinary; time used effectively: 4.6 for radiation oncology, 4.5 for multidisciplinary; discussions relevant to daily practice: 4.6 for radiation oncology, 4.6 for multidisciplinary; session is likely to result in a change of practice: 4.0 for radiation oncology, 4.0 for multidisciplinary. Chartrounds sessions qualify for 1 CME credit and is approved for a practice quality improvement project by the American Board of Radiology. Conclusions: Chartrounds.com is impacting oncology practices which results in changes in community practice. Future directions of this project include providing chartrounds sessions for oncology nurses and providing a library of video recorded archived sessions. This work has been funded by the Improving Cancer Care Grant of the ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation.

90 Socio-Demographic and Medical Factors in A Multi-Ethnic Cohort of COVID Deaths

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i12-i42
Author(s):  
M Patel ◽  
U Umasankar ◽  
B McCall
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Uneventful Recovery ◽  
Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Black African ◽  
Medical Factors ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Medical Wards

Abstract Introduction Whilst most patients during the COVID pandemic made an uneventful recovery,there was a significant minority in whom the disease was severe and unfortunately fatal. This survey aims to examine and evaluate risk factors for those patients who died of COVID and to identify any markers for improvement in the management of such patients during future COVID surges. Methods Medical records of all patients who died within a multi-ethnic, inner city acute district general hospital over a 6-week period in 2020 were examined. Data collected included demographic details, medical comorbidities, and type of ward where they received care. Multivariable analysis using stepwise backward logistic regression was conducted to examine independent risk factors for these patients. Results Of 275 deaths,204 were related to COVID. Compared to non-COVID deaths(n = 71), there were no age differences. There were significantly more deaths in males (58%vs39%,P < 0.001)) and in Black African and South Asian groups. 18% of COVID deaths were those who were not frail (Frailty Rockwood Scale 1–3) whereas there were no non-COVID deaths in this group(P < 0.001). 69% of COVID deaths occurred in general medical wards whereas 19% in critical care units (90% and 7% for non-COVID deaths,p < 0.001). COVID patients died more quickly compared to non-COVID patients (length of stay mean, 11vs21,p < 0.001). Medical factors prevalent in >20% of COVID deaths included Diabetes, Hypertension, Chronic Heart Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease,and Dementia. Multivariable analyses showed males (OR 1.9), age > 70(OR 2.0), frailty (OR 2.3) were independent risk factors for COVID deaths. Discussion Compared to non-COVID deaths,COVID deaths were more common in previously well individuals,males,Black African and South Asian ethnicity, but multivariable analyses showed males, age > 70 and frailty were independent risk factors for COVID deaths. This survey indicates that greater psychological support may be required for healthcare workers on general medical wards who looked after greater proportion of COVID deaths.

CSF chitinase 3-like 1 is associated with iron rims in patients with a first demyelinating event

2021 ◽  
pp. 135245852110100
Author(s):  
Manuel Comabella ◽  
Margareta A Clarke ◽  
Sabine Schaedelin ◽  
Mar Tintoré ◽  
Deborah Pareto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Univariable Analysis ◽  
Neurofilament Light Chain ◽  
Neurofilament Light ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Prognostic Implications ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Chronic active lesions with iron rims have prognostic implications in patients with multiple sclerosis. Objective: To assess the relationship between iron rims and levels of chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1), neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in patients with a first demyelinating event. Methods: Iron rims were identified using 3T susceptibility-weighted imaging. Serum NfL and GFAP levels were measured by single-molecule array assays. CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) CHI3L1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Sixty-one patients were included in the study. The presence of iron rims was associated with higher T2 lesion volume and higher number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions. In univariable analysis, having ⩾2 iron rims (vs 0) was associated with increased CSF CHI3L1 levels (β = 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.79; p < 0.01) and serum NfL levels (β = 2.30; 95% CI = 1.47–3.60; p < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, however, only CSF CHI3L1 levels remained significantly associated with the presence of iron rim lesions (β = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.11–1.90; p < 0.01). The presence of ⩾2 iron rims was not associated with increased serum GFAP levels in univariable or multivariable analyses. Conclusion: These findings support an important contribution of activated microglia/macrophages to the pathophysiology of chronic active lesions with iron rims in patients with a first demyelinating event.

scholarly journals The Importance of Abnormal Platelet Count in Patients with Clostridioides difficile Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2957
Author(s):  
Shira Buchrits ◽  
Anat Gafter-Gvili ◽  
Jihad Bishara ◽  
Alaa Atamna ◽  
Gida Ayada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Innate And Adaptive Immunity ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile Infection ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Wbc Count

Background: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) causes morbidity and mortality. Platelets have been increasingly recognized as an important component of innate and adaptive immunity. We aimed to assess the incidence of thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis in CDI and the effect of an abnormal platelet count on clinical outcomes. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study consisted of all adult patients hospitalized in Rabin Medical Center between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018 with laboratory confirmed CDI. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Risk factors for 30-day all-cause mortality were identified by univariable and multivariable analyses, using logistic regression. Results: A total of 527 patients with CDI were included. Among them 179 (34%) had an abnormal platelet count: 118 (22%) had thrombocytopenia and 61 (11.5%) had thrombocytosis. Patients with thrombocytosis were similar to control patients other than having a significantly higher white blood cell count at admission. Patients with thrombocytopenia were younger than control patients and were more likely to suffer from malignancies, immunosuppression, and hematological conditions. In a multivariable analysis, both thrombocytosis (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.01–3.52) and thrombocytopenia (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.01–2.89) were associated with 30-days mortality, as well as age, hypoalbuminemia, acute kidney injury, and dependency on activities of daily living. A sensitivity analysis restricted for patients without hematological malignancy or receiving chemotherapy revealed increased mortality with thrombocytosis but not with thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: In this retrospective study of hospitalized patients with CDI, we observed an association between thrombocytosis on admission and all-cause mortality, which might represent a marker for disease severity. Patients with CDI and thrombocytopenia also exhibited increased mortality, which might reflect their background conditions and not the severity of the CDI. Future studies should assess thrombocytosis as a severity marker with or without the inclusion of the WBC count.

Refining TNM-8 M1 categories with anatomic subgroups for previously untreated de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6046-6046
Author(s):  
Sik-Kwan Chan ◽  
Cheng Lin ◽  
Shao Hui Huang ◽  
Tin Ching Chau ◽  
Qiaojuan Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ◽  
Bone Metastases ◽  
Validation Cohort ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Training Cohort ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Multivariable Analyses

6046 Background: The eighth edition TNM (TNM-8) classified de novo metastatic (metastatic disease at presentation) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) as M1 without further subdivision. However, survival heterogeneity exists and long-term survival has been observed in a subset of this population. We hypothesize that certain metastatic characteristics could further segregate survival for de novo M1 NPC. Methods: Patients with previously untreated de novo M1 NPC prospectively treated in two academic institutions (The University of Hong Kong [n = 69] and Provincial Clinical College of Fujian Medical University [n = 114] between 2007 and 2016 were recruited and re-staged based on TNM-8 in this study. They were randomized in 2:1 ratio to generate a training cohort (n = 120) and validation cohort (n = 63) respectively. Univariable and multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed for the training cohort to identify the anatomic prognostic factors of overall survival (OS). We then performed recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) which incorporated the anatomic prognostic factors identified in multivariable analyses and derived a new set of RPA stage groups (Anatomic-RPA groups) which predicted OS in the training cohort. The significance of Anatomic-RPA groups in the training cohort was then validated in the validation cohort. UVA and MVA were performed again on the validation cohorts to identify significant OS prognosticators. Results: The training and the validation cohorts had a median follow-up of 27.2 months and 30.2 months, respectively, with the 3-year OS of 51.6% and 51.1%, respectively. Univariable analysis (UVA) and multivariable analysis (MVA) revealed that co-existing liver and bone metastases was the only factor prognostic of OS. Anatomic-RPA groups based on the anatomic prognostic factors identified in UVA and MVA yielded good segregation (M1a: no co-existing liver and bone metastases and M1b: co-existing both liver and bone metastases; median OS 39.5 and 23.7 months respectively; P =.004). RPA for the validation set also confirmed good segregation with co-existing liver and bone metastases (M1a: no co-existing liver and bone metastases and M1b: co-existing liver and bone metastases), with median OS 47.7 and 16.0 months, respectively; P =.008). It was also the only prognostic factor in UVA and MVA in the validation cohort. Conclusions: Our Anatomic-RPA M1 stage groups with anatomical factors provided better subgroup segregation for de novo M1 NPC. The study results provide a robust justification to refine M1 categories in future editions of TNM staging classification.

The effect of acenocoumarol on the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (10) ◽  
pp. 708-716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Bergmeijer ◽  
Johannes Kelder ◽  
Christian Hackeng ◽  
Jurriën ten Berg ◽  
Willem Dewilde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Reactivity ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Coumarin Derivative ◽  
Concomitant Treatment ◽  
Confounding By Indication ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Percutaneous Coronary ◽  
Propensity Matching ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
The Impact

SummaryPatients exhibiting high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity (HPR) are at an increased risk of atherothrombotic events following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The use of concomitant medication which is metabolised by the hepatic cytochrome P450 system, such as phenprocoumon, is associated with HPR. We assessed the level of platelet reactivity on clopidogrel in patients who received concomitant treatment with acenocoumarol (another coumarin derivative). Patients scheduled for PCI were included in a prospective, single centre, observational registry. Patients who were adequately pre-treated with clopidogrel were eligible for this analysis, which included 1,582 patients, of whom 104 patients (6.6 %) received concomitant acenocoumarol treatment. Platelet reactivity, as measured with the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay and expressed in P2Y12 Reaction Units (PRU), was significantly higher in patients on concomitant acenocoumarol treatment (mean PRU 229 ± 88 vs 187 ± 95; p< 0.001). In patients with concomitant acenocoumarol use, the proportion of patients with HPR was higher, defined as PRU > 208 (57.7 % vs 41.1 %; p=0.001) and PRU236 (49.0 % vs 31.4 %; p< 0.001). In multivariable analysis, concomitant acenocoumarol use was independently associated with a higher PRU and the occurrence of HPR defined as PRU236 (OR 2.00, [1.07–3.79]), but not with HPR defined as PRU > 208 (OR 1.37, [0.74–2.54]). PRU also was significantly increased after 1:1 propensity matching (+28.2; p< 0.001). As this was an observational study, confounding by indication cannot be excluded, although multivariable analyses and propensity matching were performed. The impact of the findings from this hypothesis-generating study on clinical outcome requires further investigation.

scholarly journals Frontal QRS/T angle can predict mortality in COVID-19 patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Gunduz ◽  
B S Yildiz
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
General Population ◽  
Ischemic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Hospital Patients ◽  
Multi Center Study ◽  
Center Study

Abstract Aims fQRS-T angle was investigated from general population including healthy people to patients who has hearth failure. It can predict mortality of myocarditis, ischemic cardiomyopathy, non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic heart failure in general population. There is no study in the literature that has been investigated for COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this retrospective multi-center study is to evaluate fQRS angle of COVID-19 patients for in-hospital mortality and need mechanical ventilation. Methods and results ECG was enrolled in 327 COVID-19 patients during admission and the fQRS angle calculated. Mechanical ventilation was needed for 119 patients and 110 of them died in hospital. Patients were divided into two groups according to their fQRS angle as fQRs&gt;90° and fQRS≤90°. Percentages of mortality and need of MV according to fQRS angle were found 67.8% and 66.1% respectively in fQRs&gt;90° group and 26.1%, 29.9% in fQRS≤90°group. Heart rate, SO2, fQRS, eGFR and CRP only were predictors for mortality in multivariable analysis. Mortality risk was increased 2.9-fold in univariate analysis and 1.6-fold in multivariate analysis for fQRS&gt;90 patient group in respect to fQRS≤90 group. Conclusion In conclusion, a wide fQRS angle (&gt;90°) was found as a predictor for mortality in-hospital and associated with the need for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Mortality, need mechanical ventilation Univariable and multivariable predictors

Abstract 13030: Causes of Cardiovascular and Non-cardiovascular Mortality in the Ischemia Trial

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandeep S Sidhu ◽  
Karen P Alexander ◽  
Zhen Huang ◽  
Sean M O’Brien ◽  
Bernard R Chaitman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
International Study ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Clinical Events ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
History Of ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Clinical Events Committee

Background: In the ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches) trial, all-cause mortality was similar in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) randomized to invasive (INV) and conservative (CON) management strategies. This analysis details specific causes of cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV mortality by treatment group. Methods: In ISCHEMIA, 289 deaths occurred after a median follow-up of 3.2 years; 145 (5.6%) in INV and 144 (5.6%) in CON (HR 1.05, CI 0.83-1.32). Deaths were adjudicated by an independent Clinical Events Committee as CV, non-CV with or without a CV contributor or undetermined. The protocol defined CV death as deaths from CV causes, non-CV causes with CV contributor, and cause undetermined; non-CV death was defined as death from non-CV causes without a CV contributor. Multivariable analyses were used to identify factors associated with cause-specific death. Results: CV death was similar between groups [INV 92 (3.6%), CON 111 (4.3%); HR 0.87 (CI 0.66, 1.15)], but INV had more non-CV death [INV 53 (2.0%), CON 33 (1.3%); HR 1.63 (CI 1.06, 2.52)]; fewer undetermined deaths [INV 12 (0.5%) and CON 26 (1.0%); HR 0.48 (0.24, 0.95)] and more malignancy deaths [INV 41 (1.6%), CON 20 (0.8%); HR 2.11 (1.24, 3.61)]. In multivariable analysis, risk factors associated with CV death were age [HR 1.42 (CI 1.19-1.70) per 10-year increase], diabetes [HR 1.39 (CI 1.03-1.87)], history of heart failure [HR 1.96 (CI 1.33-2.91)], and eGFR [HR 1.18 (CI 1.11-1.26) per 5-ml/min decrease below 80ml/min]. Factors associated with non-CV death were age [HR 2.31 (CI 1.75-3.03) per 10-year increase] and randomization to INV [HR 1.76 (CI 1.13-2.75)]. Conclusions: In ISCHEMIA, all-cause mortality was similar for the INV and CON strategies. Excess non-CV deaths in INV with a higher number of deaths from malignancy but a higher number of undetermined deaths in CON requires further evaluation.

Predictors of success and complications in laser lead extraction

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Madej ◽  
K Matschke ◽  
M Knaut
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Lead Extraction ◽  
Predictors Of Success ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Icd Leads ◽  
Short Term Mortality ◽  
Major Adverse Events

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Extraction of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) leads using excimer laser is in use since &gt; 20 years, but the predictors of success, all-cause complications and mortality are not yet sufficiently statistically evaluated.  Method All consecutive laser extractions performed at our institution between September 2011 and March 2020 with lead age &gt; 12 months were included and retrospectively analysed. Results 792 leads (mean age 75 months) were extracted during 335 procedures. The indication for extraction was pocket infection in 59%, CIED endocarditis in 25%, lead dysfunction or upgrade in 14% and others in 2%. 94.6% of leads were extracted complete, 4.2% partial (&lt; 4 cm rest) and the extraction failed in 1.3% of the leads (retention of ≥ 4 cm rest). Multivariable analysis identified lead age &gt; 7.5 years (odds ratio [OR] 6.5; p = 0.0281), broken leads (OR 28.0; p = 0.0009) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads (OR 6.5; p = 0.0010) as independent predictors of failed extraction. CIED-endocarditis was independently associated with complete extraction (OR 3.3; p = 0.0218). Complete procedural success or clinical success was achieved in 330 of 335 procedures (98.6%). The lead extraction failed in five cases (1.5%). Major procedure-associated adverse events (injuries of the great vessels or heart) occurred in four cases (1.2%). Two patients died perioperatively (0.6%). Minor complications occurred in 13 cases (3.9%). Major adverse events (MAE) causally not related to the procedure occurred in 18 (5.4%) of the patients. The most frequent MAE was postoperative aggravation of the sepsis (10 patients; 3.0%).  Independent predictors of major adverse events were CIED-endocarditis (OR 6.0; p = 0.0175), preoperative C-reactive-protein (CRP) &gt; 35 mg/l (OR 3.8; p = 0.0412) and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 (OR 5.0; p = 0.0489). Ten patients (3%) died during the hospital stay.  CIED-endocarditis with preoperative CRP &gt; 35 mg/l was independently associated with hospital mortality in multivariable analysis (OR 10.7; p = 0.0020). The Kaplan-Meyer analysis of 30-day mortality showed a significantly worse survival of patients with endocarditis (Log-Rank p = 0.0102). Conclusion Leads &gt; 7.5 years, broken leads and ICD leads are independent predictors of failed extraction. CIED endocarditis, CRP &gt; 35 and BMI ≥ 25 are associated with MAE. CIED endocarditis is related to higher short-term mortality despite successful lead extraction. Abstract Figure. Predictors of major adverse events

Understanding Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer

2021 ◽  
pp. OP.20.00929
Author(s):  
Lillian Y. Lai ◽  
Vahakn B. Shahinian ◽  
Mary K. Oerline ◽  
Samuel R. Kaufman ◽  
Ted A. Skolarus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Active Surveillance ◽  
Guideline Development ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Specific Antigen ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Radiation Oncologists ◽  
Medical Oncologists ◽  
Testing Patterns

PURPOSE: To assess how active surveillance for prostate cancer is apportioned across specialties and how testing patterns and transition to treatment vary by specialty. METHODS: We used a 20% national sample of Medicare claims to identify men diagnosed with prostate cancer from 2010 through 2016 initiating surveillance (N = 13,048). Patients were assigned to the physician responsible for the bulk of surveillance care based on billing patterns. Freedom from treatment was assessed by specialty of the responsible physician (urology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and primary care). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine associations between specialty and treatment patterns. RESULTS: Urologists were responsible for surveillance in 93.7% of patients in 2010 and 96.2% of patients in 2016 ( P for trend = .01). Testing patterns varied by specialty. For example, patients of medical oncologists had more frequent prostate-specific antigen testing compared with patients of urologists (1.85 v 2.39 tests per year, respectively; P < .01). Three years after diagnosis, a significantly smaller proportion of patients managed by radiation oncologists (64.3%) remained on surveillance compared with patients managed by other physicians (75.8%-79.5%; P < .01). Although radiation was the most common treatment among all men who transitioned to treatment, a disproportionate percentage of patients followed by radiation oncologists (28.9%) ultimately underwent radiation compared with patients followed by other physicians (15.1%-15.4%; P < .01). CONCLUSION: Nontrivial percentages of patients on active surveillance are managed by physicians outside of urology. Given the interspecialty variations observed, efforts to strengthen the evidence underlying surveillance pathways and to engage other specialties in guideline development are needed.

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