Follow-up Care and Psychosocial Needs of Survivors of Prostate Cancer

Guideline Objective

To develop recommendations related to the frequency by which prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels should be tested in men after curative-intent treatment for prostate cancer and to define the most appropriate diagnostic testing if biochemical (BC) recurrence occurs. The secondary objective is to develop recommendations that address psychosocial issues, sexual health, fatigue, urinary health, and bowel health outcomes associated with treatment for prostate cancer.

Patient Population

Prostate cancer patients who have undergone curative-intent treatment. For prostate cancer patients who are on active surveillance, please refer to PEBC Guideline 17-9.

Intended Guideline Users

Radiation oncologists specializing in prostate cancer, family physicians, urologists, nurses, allied health professionals, and any other care provider involved in follow-up care of prostate cancer.

Research Question(s)

In survivors who have received curative-intent treatment for prostate cancer:

1. What is the appropriate timing for PSA testing?
2. After biochemical recurrence, what diagnostic tests are effective at detecting progression or occurrence of metastasis and how do they affect patient management? At what PSA threshold are these tests effective? What are the most common symptoms of clinical recurrence?
3. What are the rates and level of distress for common late side-effects of prostate cancer treatment? What interventions are available to manage late treatment effects?
4. Is there a relationship between the model of care in terms of care, provider, setting, and availability of patient navigator or mentor, and the effective detection and management of progresion or metastatic disease?