What is the best toxicity data to quote to patients for prostate IMRT vs nerve-sparing prostatectomy?
When counseling patients with organ-confined prostate cancer, what rates of impotence, incontinence, rectal toxicity, and urethral stricture should be quoted to a patient to help assisst in deciding between IMRT and prostatectomy (nerve-sparing or otherwise)?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Radiation Oncology · University of Chicago
Answered on
The surgery vs. RT question is a common one during a “2nd opinion†consultation with radiation oncology. More and more comparative data are being published regarding disease outcomes but many fewer exist regarding toxicity. I often hand out a copy of Sanda et al, NEJM 2008, which reports on qual...
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Radiation Oncology · UCLA | VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Answered on
Having a firm understanding of robust toxicity data, such as the Sanda et al paper recommended by Stan (median f/u 30 months), is indeed important for discussions with colleagues, debate at tumor boards, and counseling intelligent patients. I also like the Resnick et al paper (NEJM 2013, ncbi.nlm.ni...
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