Advances in Radiation Oncology (Sep 2020)

Survey of Radiation Oncologists to Assess Interest and Potential Use of a Genetic Test Predicting Susceptibility for the Development of Toxicities After Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy

  • Kayla Collado, BA,
  • Sarah L. Kerns, PhD, MPH,
  • Michael A. Diefenbach, PhD,
  • Elizabeth Peterson-Roth, PhD,
  • Raymond Koski, PhD,
  • Harry Ostrer, MD,
  • Richard G. Stock, MD,
  • Martin Mattessich,
  • Paul Kaplan, PhD,
  • Barry S. Rosenstein, PhD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 5
pp. 897 – 904

Abstract

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Purpose: A genetic test predicting susceptibility for the development of toxicities after prostate cancer radiation therapy is in development. This test intends to help physicians with treatment decision making. Methods and Materials: Radiation oncologists were surveyed using a web-based questionnaire to gauge their interest in using a genetic test predictive of increased risk of radiation therapy toxicities as an aid in determining therapy for men with prostate cancer. Responses were summarized using frequencies, and a χ2 test compared responses among participants. Multivariable ordinal regression identified factors associated with anticipated adoption or nonadoption of such a genetic test by radiation oncologists. Results: Among 204 radiation oncologists (64% from the United States, 36% from other countries), 86.3% would order a genetic test and 80.2% said the test would be useful for treatment discussions. There was wide acceptance (76.7%) to offer a genetic test to all patients considering radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Additionally, 98.1% indicated that patients would be receptive to the test information. There were no significant differences in the likelihood of ordering a genetic test based on practice setting, familiarity with scientific literature, time spent on research, or geographic location (all P > .05). Conclusions: Radiation oncologists who treat prostate cancer are interested in and willing to order a genetic test predictive of susceptibility to radiation therapy toxicity to aid their treatment decision making.