The introduction of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has improved the diagnosis of suspected prostate cancer, accurately risk-stratifying men before a biopsy. However, pre-biopsy mpMRI represents a significant deviation from the traditional approach of prostate specific antigen testing with subsequent systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy and we have not yet explored the views of men who experience this new pathway. The purpose of the PACT study (PAtient views and aCceptance of mulTiparametric MRI) is to explore men's perceptions of mpMRI.
PACT will be conducted at teaching hospitals in which mpMRI is central to the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway using a two-phase, mixed-methods, quantitative and qualitative approach. In phase I, men referred with suspected prostate cancer will complete detailed surveys to explore their views on the mpMRI-directed pathway compared to the traditional pathway and on what constitutes 'significant' prostate cancer. In phase II, these themes will be expanded upon with in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data will be transcribed and thematically analysed, and quantitative questionnaire responses will be analysed statistically.
PACT will provide the first detailed insight into patient perceptions on the use and acceptability of mpMRI. Furthermore, results from PACT will help contribute to the resolution of outstanding controversies that surround this technology.
Methods and protocols. 2020 Mar 28*** epublish ***
Joseph M Norris, Veeru Kasivisvanathan, Clare Allen, Rhys Ball, Alex Freeman, Maneesh Ghei, Alex Kirkham, Hayley C Whitaker, Daniel Kelly, Mark Emberton
UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7TY, UK., Department of Radiology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London W1G 8PH, UK., Department of Pathology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London W1T 4EU, UK., Department of Urology, The Whittington Hospital, Whittington Health NHS Trust, London N19 5NF, UK., School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Wales CF14 4XN, UK.