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)?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
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, ...
Sign in or Register to read more
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
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...