Imaging is an integral component of active surveillance following orchiectomy for stage 1 non-seminoma (NSGCT) and seminoma germ cell tumors. In this population-based study, we describe use of imaging among patients with early-stage testicular cancer and evaluate whether they are concordant with guideline recommendations.
This is a population-based, retrospective cohort study to describe utilization of imaging among all patients with early-stage testicular cancer treated with active surveillance in the Canadian province of Ontario. The Ontario Cancer Registry was linked to electronic records of treatment to identify use of chest and abdomen/pelvis imaging. Data from 2000--2010 were included with followup for up to five years for patients with non-seminoma and 10 years for patients with seminoma. The key outcome of interest was the frequency of imaging at temporal milestones following orchiectomy. Compared to the most contemporaneous guidelines in Ontario, any discordant frequency of imaging was defined as underutilization or overutilization. Substantial under- or overutilization was defined as >1 imaging test less/more than what was recommended during a 12-month period.
The study population included 569 patients with NSGCT (median age 28) and 1107 with seminoma (median age 37). Among patients with NSGCT, adherence with body imaging was low in years 1-3 of surveillance (range 26-37%, predominantly underuse) and higher in years 4-5 (63-67%, predominantly overuse). Adherence with chest imaging was even lower (range 11-34% during years 1-5). Among patients with seminoma, adherence with abdominal and chest imaging was relatively stable and comparable throughout the 10-year followup period (range 23-47% abdomen and 28-47% chest). Multivariable analysis confirmed that underutilization of imaging was more common in recent years. NSGCT histology was associated with underutilization in years 1-2 but overutilization in years 3-5.
In routine clinical practice, patients with testicular cancer commonly receive imaging discordant to the protocol for active surveillance, with a substantial proportion receiving both under- and overutilization at various times during surveillance followup.
Canadian Urological Association journal = Journal de l'Association des urologues du Canada. 2021 Sep 24 [Epub ahead of print]
Bishal Gyawali, Rebecca Griffiths, Andrew G Robinson, Matthew D F McInnes, Philippe L Bedard, Christopher M Booth
Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada., ICES, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada., Department of Radiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada., Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada.