Defining the level of evidence for technology adoption in the localized prostate cancer pathway

Urol Oncol. 2014 Aug;32(6):924-30. doi: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2013.10.008. Epub 2013 Dec 12.

Abstract

New technologies in prostate cancer are attempting to change the current prostate cancer pathway by aiming to reduce harms while maintaining the benefits associated with screening, diagnosis, and treatment. In this article, we discuss the optimal evaluation that new technologies should undergo to provide level 1 evidence typically required to change the practice. With this in mind, we focus on feasible and pragmatic trials that could be delivered in a timely fashion by many centers while retaining primary outcomes that focus on clinically meaningful outcomes.

Keywords: Focal therapy; Health technology assessment; MRI; Prostate cancer; Targeted biopsy; Trials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Image-Guided Biopsy / methods*
  • Male
  • Prostate / pathology*
  • Prostatectomy / methods
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Radiotherapy / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists