Addie Wootten

The Melbourne Consensus Statement on the early detection of prostate cancer

Various conflicting guidelines and recommendations about prostate cancer screening and early detection have left both clinicians and their patients quite confused. At the Prostate Cancer World Congress held in Melbourne in August 2013, a multidisciplinary group of the worlds leading experts in this area gathered together and generated this set of consensus statements to bring some clarity to this confusion. The five consensus statements provide clear guidance for clinicians counselling their patients about the early detection of prostate cancer.

The impact of multidisciplinary team meetings on patient assessment, management and outcomes in oncology settings: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND Conducting regular multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings requires significant investment of time and finances. It is thus important to assess the empirical benefits of such practice. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the literature regarding the impact of MDT meetings on patient assessment, management and outcomes in oncology settings. METHODS Relevant studies were identified by searching OVID MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases from 1995 to April 2015, using the keywords: multidisciplinary team meeting* OR multidisciplinary discussion* OR multidisciplinary conference* OR case review meeting* OR multidisciplinary care forum* OR multidisciplinary tumour board* OR case conference* OR case discussion* AND oncology OR cancer. Studies were included if they assessed measurable outcomes, and used a comparison group and/or a pre- and post-test design. RESULTS Twenty-seven articles met inclusion criteria. There was limited evidence for improved survival outcomes of patients discussed at MDT meetings. Between 4% and 45% of patients discussed at MDT meetings experienced changes in diagnostic reports following the meeting. Patients discussed at MDT meetings were more likely to receive more accurate and complete pre-operative staging, and neo-adjuvant/adjuvant treatment. Quality of studies was affected by selection bias and the use of historical cohorts impacted study quality. CONCLUSIONS MDT meetings impact upon patient assessment and management practices. However, there was little evidence indicating that MDT meetings resulted in improvements in clinical outcomes. Future research should assess the impact of MDT meetings on patient satisfaction and quality of life, as well as, rates of cross-referral between disciplines.

Review: Psychosocial Interventions Addressing Sexual or Relationship Functioning in Men with Prostate Cancer

INTRODUCTION Although previous research has evaluated the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for men with prostate cancer, no previous review has investigated the effects of psychosocial interventions on both sexual and relationship functioning. AIM To review the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions that focus on sexual and/or relationship functioning for men with prostate cancer and their partners. METHOD A systematic literature review of research reported in the Medline, PsychINFO, PsychArticles databases from January 1990 to September 10, 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The review focused on the evaluation of interventions that aimed to improve the sexual and/or relationship functioning of men and their partners. RESULTS There was evidence that psychosocial interventions can improve mens sexual functioning, particularly when delivered face-to-face and when using more complex strategies to target sexuality in men and in relationships. There was inconclusive evidence for the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in improving mens relationship functioning or the sexual or relationship functioning of their partners. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for further research to target improving and measuring men and their partners sexual and relationship functioning in the context of prostate cancer. The effectiveness of tailoring interventions to the specific needs of men and to their stage of cancer also needs to be further examined.

Preliminary Results of a Randomised Controlled Trial of an Online Psychological Intervention to Reduce Distress in Men Treated for Localised Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) poses many emotional and physical challenges for men following treatment. The unmet support needs of these men are well documented, and access to psychosocial support remains problematic. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of an online psychological intervention for men who have localised PCa. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We undertook a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the intervention. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three conditions: My Road Ahead (MRA) alone (MRA Only), MRA plus access to an online forum (MRA+Forum), and access to the forum alone (Forum). INTERVENTION The intervention was a 10-week self-guided online psychological intervention called My Road Ahead that consisted of six themed modules designed to facilitate improved emotional well-being in the context of PCa as well as a moderated peer forum. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Pre- and postintervention assessments of psychological distress (the 21-question Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) [1] and the Prostate Cancer-related Quality of Life scale [2] were conducted. Multivariate analysis of variance, regression, and structural equation modelling were used to analyse the data. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS In total, 142 participants were randomly allocated to one of the three intervention arms. The mean age of participants was 61 yr of age (standard deviation: 7), and 88% had undergone radical prostatectomy. A significant improvement in psychological distress was observed for participants who had access to the combined condition (MRA+Forum) with a moderate effect size (p=0.02; partial η(2)=0.07). In particular, the decline in the mean level of psychological distress was 8.8 units larger for the MRA+Forum group than the Forum group (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9-16.7). Although the decline in the mean level of psychological distress was 7.0 units larger for the MRA+Forum group than for the MRA Only group, this difference was not significant (95% CI, 1.1-15.1). Structural equation modelling indicated that reductions in health worry and regret contributed significantly to the reductions in psychological distress for the MRA+Forum condition. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first, to our knowledge, that has evaluated a self-guided online psychological intervention tailored to the specific needs of men who have PCa. The findings of this study indicate the potential for this programme to deliver support that men may not otherwise receive. PATIENT SUMMARY This study found that men who have localised prostate cancer who received access to the online psychological intervention called My Road Ahead combined with the online peer discussion forum had significantly improved reductions in distress compared with those who received access to the online intervention alone or the forum alone.

The impact of prostate cancer on partners: a qualitative exploration

Prostate cancer and its treatment can result in numerous physical and psychological morbidities for the patient as well as his partner. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of intimate spouses or partners of men diagnosed and/or treated for prostate cancer to better understand the personal impact of prostate cancer on the partner.

Psychosocial interventions to support partners of men with prostate cancer: a systematic and critical review of the literature

PurposeProstate cancer poses many challenges for both the man and his partner. Partners have reported a range of issues that impact their own mental health following their partner’s diagnosis of prostate cancer. The aim of this review is to summarise and critically evaluate the current literature reporting psychosocial intervention studies for partners of prostate cancer patients.MethodsAn extensive literature search of electronic databases was conducted (OvidMEDLINE 1946, 26th September 2013, and psychINFO 1967, 26th September 2013) using the keywords prostate cancer AND intervention* OR therapy* OR psychosocial intervention* OR support* AND couple* or Spouse* or Partner* or Intimate partner* matched to the title as well as secondary scanning of reference lists. Studies were included if they described interventions for partners of prostate cancer patients, either solely for the partners or as a couple, intended to alleviate distress and enhance the partner’s or couple’s quality of life, and reported a measurable outcome for partners.ResultsA total of 11 prostate cancer-specific intervention studies that included partners and reported separate results for the partners were found. Only one of these interventions was partner specific, the other eight involved the patient-partner dyad. The studies identified primarily focussed on two areas: emotional distress and sexual intimacy, and mixed findings were reported for efficacy of interventions.ConclusionsDespite strong evidence that partners of men with prostate cancer experience difficulties associated with the impact of prostate cancer, there is limited research that has investigated the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for partners. Of the reviewed studies, it is evident that interventions targeting the reduction of emotional distress, improved communication and sexual intimacy between the couple and utilisation of strategies that enable partners to express their distress, learn new strategies and implement behavioural change show the most promising results in enhancing partner well-being.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsSignificant progress is required in developing and evaluating appropriate and effective psychosocial support interventions for partners of prostate cancer survivors as partners appear to have significant unmet needs in this area.

A randomised, wait-list controlled trial: evaluation of a cognitive-behavioural group intervention on psycho-sexual adjustment for men with localised prostate cancer.

To examine the effectiveness of a cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) group intervention to facilitate improved psycho‐sexual adjustment to treatment side effects in prostate cancer survivors post‐radical prostatectomy.

Improving psychosocial health in men with prostate cancer through an intervention that reinforces masculine values - exercise.

Prue Cormie*, John L. Oliffe, Addie C. Wootten, Daniel A. Galvao, Robert U. Newton and Suzanne K. Chambers Edith Cowan University Health and Wellness Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada Department of Urology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia Epworth Prostate Centre, Epworth Healthcare, Richmond, VIC, Australia Australian Prostate Cancer Research, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong UQ Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Sydney, Australia

A qualitative assessment of the experience of participating in a cancer-related clinical trial

PurposeThis study aims to explore the experiences of patients enrolled in a cancer-related clinical drug treatment trial utilising a qualitative focus-group methodology. Specifically, this study aimed to explore the impact of social and family support, the challenges and advantages of taking part in a clinical trial and the experiences of patients at the conclusion of the trial.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted at a public hospital in Melbourne in 2008. A total of 14 participants were recruited. Three focus groups and two interviews were conducted with 13 patients who had completed a cancer-related clinical trial. Comments from a letter written by a trial participant were also analysed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded according to emerging themes.ResultsInformation obtained was grouped around four main themes; making sense of trial participation, challenges of treatment in the context of clinical trial participation, support during trial participation and coping with trial conclusion. Participants experienced a mixture of hope, uncertainty and apprehension as they considered whether to take part in a clinical trial. At different stages of the trial they made sense of their participation by thinking about the possible benefits of participation. Trial participation was also associated with a number of emotional and practical challenges. Generally, participants were very positive about the support they received from health professionals, family and friends. The end of the trial was associated with a mix of emotions, including relief, disappointment, hope of future help, uncertainty and abandonment.ConclusionsClinical trial participation is a positive experience for many patients with cancer, although there are a number of associated practical and emotional challenges. Trial participants may benefit from closer follow-up from clinical trial staff, especially the treating doctor, assessment of support needs and help in re-evaluating the meaning of their trial participation if their initial hopes and expectations are not met.

Long-term experience of residual symptoms following treatment for localized prostate cancer: An Australian sample

Aim:  To assess the degree of residual urinary and sexual dysfunction experienced by patients treated for localized prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or EBRT plus hormone therapy (EBRT/HT) in an Australian sample.