Localized testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) surveillance: A Delphi consensus study.

Abstract

384 Background: Stage I testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) has excellent cure rates and surveillance is fully included in patient’s management, particularly during the first years of follow-up. Surveillance guidelines differ between the academic societies, with different recommendations concerning clinical and imaging frequency de-escalation and long term follow-up. We evaluated surveillance practice and schedules followed by French specialists and set up a DELPHI method to obtain a consensual surveillance program with an optimal schedule for patients with localized TGCT. Methods: An online survey on surveillance practice of stage I TGCT based on clinical-cases was conducted among urologists, radiotherapists and oncologists. Results were compared to AFU, ESMO and EAU guidelines. Then a panel of experts assessed surveillance proposals following a formal consensus method (DELPHI method). Statements were drafted after analysis of the previous survey and systematic literature review, with 2 successive rounds to reach a consensus. Results: Survey and DELPHI were conducted between July 2018 and May 2019. Sixty-one (12.2%) participated to the survey (69% oncologists, 15% urologists, 16% radiotherapists). For the first 5 years of follow-up we observed 30 to 50% of adherence to AFU’s guidelines, 20 to 36% of adherence to ESMO’s guidelines and 6 to 45% of practices not corresponding to any of the guidelines depending on clinical situations. Only 25% of practitioners stopped surveillance after the 5th year, as recommended. No physician followed the ESMO guidelines of de-escalation chest imaging. For the Delphi study, a panel of 32 experts (78% oncologists, 16% urologists, 6% radiotherapists) was asked about 38 statements. Consensus was reached for 26 statements concerning clinico-biological surveillance modalities and end of surveillance after the 5th year of follow-up. For seminoma, abdominal ultrasound was proposed as an option to the abdominopelvic (AP) scan for the 4th year of follow-up. No consensus was reached regarding de-escalation of chest imaging. Conclusions: The survey proved that French TGCT specialists do not follow current guidelines. With DELPHI method, a consensus was obtained for frequency of clinico-biological surveillance, discontinuation of surveillance after the 5th year and stop of AP scan on the 4th year of follow-up for seminoma. Questions remains concerning type and frequency of chest imaging.