Real-world management of advanced prostate cancer: A description of management practices of community-based physicians and prostate cancer specialists

INTRODUCTION: The Canadian Genitourinary Research Consortium (GURC) conducted a consensus development conference leading to 31 recommendations. Using the GURC consensus development questionnaire, we conducted a survey to measure the corresponding community-based practices on the management of metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). METHODS: An 87-item online questionnaire was sent to 600 community urologists and oncologists involved in the treatment of prostate cancer. RESULTS: Seventy-two community physicians responded to the survey. Of note, 50% community physicians indicated they would treat nmCRPC with agents approved for this indication if advanced imaging showed metastases. Radiation to the prostate for low-volume mCSPC was identified as a treatment practice by 27% of community physicians, and 35% indicated docetaxel as the next line of treatment after use of apalutamide. Use of genetic testing was reported in 36% of community physicians for newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: There are several areas of community-based management of advanced prostate cancer that could represent potential areas for education, practice tools, and future research.