Identification of Preference "Phenotypes" in Men With Prostate Cancer

Patient preference assessment is key to high-quality decision-making in men with prostate cancer. We aimed to determine if "phenotypes" could be identified among men with prostate cancer, with each phenotype representing a cohort with a distinct combination of preferences. We wished to learn if there was an association between phenotype and treatment selection.

A prospective cohort of men with prostate cancer received a pre-visit decision aid. This software used conjoint analysis to quantify relative patient preferences for treatment-associated survival, quality of life outcomes, and recovery time. We collected patient clinical data, physician recommendation for active treatment or surveillance, and treatments received. Preferences were analyzed using latent class analysis to identify distinct classes of preference phenotypes. We compared patient characteristics and treatment choice across phenotypes, both univariately and in a multivariable logistic regression.

In 250 men who used the decision aid as part of routine care, latent class analysis revealed 3 phenotypic classes. Men in Class 1 had the highest concerns around recovery time and the lowest value on improving lifespan. Men in Class 2 had relatively evenly distributed concerns. Men in Class 3 had the lowest concerns around recovery time and risk of surgical complications. On multivariate analysis, treatment choice was not associated with preference-based phenotype. Only physician recommendation was associated with choice of active treatment.

We identified the existence of 3 patient preference-based phenotypes in men with prostate cancer. Each phenotype had a unique combination of trade-offs when considering competing treatment outcomes. These phenotypes were not associated with treatment. Physician recommendation was the only factor determining treatment choice.