Volume 23, Number 3EditorialThe Specialty Networks Localized to High-Risk Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer Patient PlaybookGautam JayramKatie GrantJayme NalleyNicole SmithProstate cancer (PCa) is the second-leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 299 010 men will be diagnosed with PCa in 2024, with more than 35 250 PCa-associated deaths.1 It is estimated that of those patients treated for localized PCa, 30% to 35% will experience biochemical recurrence (BCR), which further increases the risk of PCa death. Although multiple definitions have been proposed, BCR is generally present when a man has a persistently rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value after definitive local therapy (Table 1) in the absence of radiographic evidence of metastatic disease. This definition has evolved and will continue to develop, with advances in genomics, next-generation sequencing, and digital pathology.
Volume 23, Number 1Treatment ReviewConsistency in Care Opportunities for Prostate CancerWanda WiltNicole SmithKatie GrantJayme NalleyJody PinkertonThrough data analysis and multiple interviews and insights, this study attempted to address the inconsistency in care for patients with prostate cancer who shared similar journey time points, demographics, and care center expertise. The Consistency of Care Project aimed to evaluate the impact of efforts to improve targeted metrics surrounding crucial clinical interventions of prostate-specific antigen monitoring, surveillance scanning, and pharmacologic interventions over a 9-month period. For comparison, 15 private urology practices of like size, patient population, and demographics were monitored. Ten of the practices benefitted from reviewed workflow training on the PPS Analytics data platform; access to a PPS Analytics Clinical Analyst, who supported education for identification of actionable patients; consistent data analysis; workflow support; and regular check-in meetings to monitor progress. The 5 control sites were monitored without additional, purposeful intervention. Outcomes support the hypothesis that inconsistency in care can begin to be addressed through focused workflows, strong navigation, and attention to key performance indicators. Attrition rate differences of 32% vs 6% improvements (reengaging patients for care who had no next appointment scheduled). On average, the experimental group increased the metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer diagnosis rate by 10%. However, the treatment rates measured a relative increase of 35% but an average of 11% absolute improvement at the supported sites vs 6% at the control sites. Patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer at the supported sites improved by 20%, compared with those in the control group, who improved by 4%. Care teams with strong workflows, supportive resources, and consistent care pathways—when combined with data analytics—can influence care and drive increased, measurable differences.Prostate cancerProstatic neoplasmsUrologyNeoplasmpatient navigation