Perceptions of partial gland ablation for prostate cancer among men on active surveillance: A qualitative study

Partial gland ablation (PGA) therapy is an emerging treatment modality that targets specific areas of biopsy proven prostate cancer (PCa) to minimize treatment-related morbidity by sparing benign prostate. This qualitative study aims to explore and characterize perceptions and attitudes toward PGA in men with very-low-risk, low-risk, and favorable intermediate-risk PCa on active surveillance (AS).

92 men diagnosed with very-low-risk, low-risk, and favorable intermediate-risk PCa on AS were invited to participate in semi-structured telephone interviews on PGA.

Single tertiary care center located in New York City.

20 men with very-low-risk, low-risk, and favorable intermediate-risk PCa on AS participated in the interviews.

Emerging themes on perceptions and attitudes toward PGA were developed from transcripts inductively coded and analyzed under standardized methodology.

Four themes were derived from twenty interviews that represent the primary considerations in treatment decision-making: (1) the feeling of psychological safety associated with low-risk disease; (2) preference for minimally invasive treatments; (3) the central role of the physician; (4) and the pursuit of treatment options that align with disease severity. Eleven men (55%) expressed interest in pursuing PGA only if their cancer were to progress, while 9 men (45%) expressed interest at the current moment.

Though an emerging treatment modality, patients were broadly accepting of PGA for PCa with men primarily debating the risks versus benefits of proactively treating low-risk disease. Additional research on men's preferences and attitudes toward PGA will further guide counseling and shared decision-making for PGA.