Little Change in PSA Use After Taskforce Recommendation

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr Ryan Hutchinson MD and
Yair Lotan MD

Department of Urology
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommendation against PSA screening generated significant controversy. Research since then has relied heavily on survey data to examine the impact of the recommendation on PSA screening practices. In a hotly charged issue such as this, such data can carry significant bias.

We examined a large, whole-institution data in the years before and after the USPSTF recommendations reflecting actual practice and found that the changes in PSA use at our institution, if any, were small. This is more consistent with behavior seen after the vast majority of practice recommendations.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Readers should understand that our institutions findings may not represent the nation as a whole, however at least one survey data set pointed to Texas as one of the states with the largest drop in PSA use, which we did not observe. With recent revelations about the flaws in studies used in the USPSTF recommendation, we hope that the USPSTF will be diligent in considering the wisdom of their initial recommendation against PSA since this can have a significant impact on health of men.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Future research directions are many, including looking at provider factors that may influence psa use and finding new ways to appropriately treat men with prostate cancer and avoid treatment in men unlikely to benefit from further treatment. There is also need to optimize recommendations regarding screening for prostate cancer and developing more accurate tests.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:
Testing and Referral Patterns in the Years Surrounding the US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Against Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening Ryan Hutchinson, MD; Abdulhadi Akhtar, MD; Justin Haridas, MHA, MBA; Deepa Bhat, ME, MS; Claus Roehrborn, MD; and Yair Lotan, MD
DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30330
Cancer Month, 2016

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on October 8, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD