Patient experiences with tissue-based genomic testing during active surveillance for prostate cancer.

Abstract

333 Background: Tissue-based gene expression (genomic) tests improve estimates of prostate cancer aggressiveness and are increasingly used for patients considering or engaged in active surveillance; however, little is known about patient experiences with genomic testing and its role in decision-making for active surveillance. Methods: We performed a qualitative descriptive study consisting of in-depth, semi-structured interviews of patients with low- or favorable-intermediate-risk prostate cancer managed with active surveillance. The interview guide focused on experiences with biopsy-based genomic testing during their decision-making for prostate cancer management. We used purposive sampling to include patients who received genomic testing as part of routine clinical care and we over-sampled Black and Latino men. We continued interviews until thematic saturation was reached, iteratively created a code key and used conventional content data analysis. Results: The mean age was 68 years (range 51-79; n=20). At initial biopsy, 17 (85%) had a Gleason grade group 1, and 3 (15%) had a grade group 2 tumor. Fourteen (70%) participants identified their race/ethnicity as White, 5 (25%) as Black, and 2 (10%) as Latino. The decision to undergo genomic testing was driven by both participants and physicians’ recommendations; however, some participants were unaware that testing had occurred. Overall, participants understood the role of genomic testing in estimating their prostate cancer risk, and the test results increased their confidence in the decision for active surveillance. However, participants did not understand the difference between tissue-based gene expression tests and germline genetic tests, and commonly believed that tissue-based tests measured hereditary cancer risk. While some participants expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided by their physicians, others felt that communication was inaccessible and lacked sufficient detail. Conclusions: Patients interact with and are influenced by the results of biopsy-based genomic testing during active surveillance for prostate cancer, however testing may increase informational needs. Our findings indicate areas for improvement in patient counseling that can be used to increase patient knowledge and comfort with genomic testing.