Conversion from active surveillance to active treatment for prostate cancer: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

Active surveillance (AS) has been an option for prostate cancer management for many years. However, only about 10% ofclinically appropriate prostate cancer patients undergo AS. The reasons for the low selection and adherence to AS areunknown. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the reasons why men convert from AS to active treatment.Known converters from AS to active treatment were identified through the PI’s prior study with this population andparticipating urologists. A purposive sample of six participants was interviewed using a structured interview instrumentdeveloped by the researcher to examine reasons why participants converted from AS to active treatment. Participantrecruitment was based out of a Urology Clinic in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Four themes emerged from the analysisof research transcripts: 1) A Dangerous Wait, 2) Clinical Surveillance, 3) Need for Information & Support, 4) TheAftermath. The results of the study will inform health care providers regarding the education and psychosocial supportneeds of men undergoing AS for prostate cancer.