Phase II trial of primary care-based follow up for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer in Australian men apart from non-melanoma skin cancer. The number of new cases increased by 12.7% from 12,003 in 2002 to 13,526 in 2003 and by a further 16.2% in 2004 in state cancer registries. 5-year survival for prostate cancer is approximately 90% for men diagnosed before age 75 and 69% for age 75 and over (The Cancer Council Victoria Epidemiology Centre 2007). There is growing interest in an expanded role for primary care in the follow-up of people with cancer. A recent systematic review of trials of primary care based follow-up of cancer found no statistically significant differences between primary and secondary care follow-up of cancer patients (breast or colon) in terms of patient wellbeing, psychological morbidity, and patient satisfaction. Previous trials have been limited by short follow-up and small sample size, and the use of measures not well suited to measure the specific components of quality of life relevant to the patient population or intervention. No trials have been conducted of prostate cancer follow-up in primary care. BEACH data have shown that Australian GPs are currently involved in the care of men diagnosed with prostate cancer including the provision of psychological support, insertion of hormone implants, monitoring for recurrence and the management of co-morbidities. Data from the NSW Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study have shown significant unmet needs, particularly in relation to psychosexual function and uncertainty about the future.

This phase II randomised controlled study will examine the feasibility, acceptability, psychosocial, and resource outcomes of a new model of shared care for follow-up of prostate cancer

Current status:

CIs and recruitment centres identified. Grant application in development.

Primary Investigator:

Prof Jon Emery