MP60-09 GERMLINE TESTING FOR PROSTATE CANCER: WHICH REFERRAL METHOD IS BEST?

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologyProstate Cancer: Markers (MP60)1 Sep 2021MP60-09 GERMLINE TESTING FOR PROSTATE CANCER: WHICH REFERRAL METHOD IS BEST? David Ahlborn, Ilene Staff, Tara McLaughlin, and Joseph Wagner David AhlbornDavid Ahlborn More articles by this author , Ilene StaffIlene Staff More articles by this author , Tara McLaughlinTara McLaughlin More articles by this author , and Joseph WagnerJoseph Wagner More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002095.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Emerging evidence supports the importance of germline genetic counseling and testing as a key component of prostate cancer (PCa) management. However, there is little guidance for urologists on how to implement practice guidelines. We explored the relationships between referral method, reason for testing, completion of testing, and time to testing in PCa patients and aimed to identify the most effective referral method. METHODS: With IRB approval, we queried the electronic medical record (EMR) for patients who were counseled and offered germline testing per NCCN guidelines from 1/29/19 – 2/3/21. Patients qualified for testing due to pathologic high risk (HR), family history (FH), or both. As referral methods evolved over time, we compared three cohorts of patients referred for testing through one of three methods. Patients were offered either 1) telephone number for a genetic counselor (TN); 2) EMR referral to a genetic counselor who calls the patient (ER); 3) same-day in-office testing (IO). The proportions of patients in each cohort who received testing were compared using chi square. Time to testing for each cohort was compared using Kaplan Meier. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression evaluated the independent influence of referral method and reason for referral on these outcomes. All analyses used SPSSv26. RESULTS: 177 patients were offered germline testing (47 TN, 70 ER, and 60 IO.) The cohorts did not differ in age, race, PSA, or clinical stage. The percentage of patients referred for both HR and FH was lower in the TN group compared to the ER and IO groups (6% vs 21% vs 27%, respectively, p<.025). Time to testing (Fig. 1) and receipt of testing was significantly associated with the referral method. Testing was obtained in 8 (17%) of TN, 39 (56%) of ER referrals and 39 (65%) of IO (p<0.001). 47/96 (49%) of men with family history, 16/47 (34%) of those with high risk and 23/34 (68%) of those with both risk factors obtained testing (p=0.012). Multivariate analyses indicated that referral method was independently associated with receipt of test and time to test (p < .001) while reason for testing was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: In-office germline testing is the most effective and expedient method to obtain germline testing results. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e1044-e1045 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information David Ahlborn More articles by this author Ilene Staff More articles by this author Tara McLaughlin More articles by this author Joseph Wagner More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...