Malecare: USPSTF Changes Research Plans

Via email:

April 28, 2016
Malecare is mostly pleased with the latest response of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to change it's research plan on screening for prostate cancer. We hope that this new research project will lead to change of the USPSTF "D" recommendation for PSA screening to more useful and lifesaving criteria.

Regarding the spcific changes, we are distressed that sexual identity as a criteria for subpopulation, especially in light of recent research showing that Gay and Straight men have significantly different pathways to advanced stage prostate cancer.

However we are pleased that the disparity of African American men is noted and we will advocate for even more inclusion of subpopulations as this study progresses.

Below is a statement of the changes the USPSTF made directly as a result of Malecare's and other organization's advocacy and the advocacy of prostate cancer patients. I also have included a link to the finalized research plans, for your interest.

"The draft Research Plan was posted for public comment on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Web site from October 29 to November 25, 2015. In response, the USPSTF clarified (through the addition of sub-KQs [e.g., 1a, 2a]) that the review of the effectiveness and harms of PSA-based screening and treatment of screen-detected or early-stage prostate cancer will assess for differences within patient subpopulations at higher risk of prostate cancer. The USPSTF also clarified that the harms of PSA-based screening will encompass the harms of diagnostic followup (e.g., biopsy). Contextual Question 2 (originally about treatment preferences) was replaced with a question about the use of informed and shared decisionmaking tools to guide screening and treatment decisions. To further explore the evidence presented by screening and treatment models, the USPSTF added Contextual Questions 4 and 5 to provide context for how the benefits and harms of PSA-based screening may vary under different clinical scenarios. Most of the remaining comments were addressed through minor revisions and by providing further details on the interventions, comparators, and outcomes as outlined in the Research Approach. The USPSTF made no major changes to the scope of the review or the approach to synthesizing the evidence."

Read the final research plans, here.

Dr. Siu from the USPSTF replies to Malecare, here.

MALECARE EMAIL OF OCTOBER 29, 2015 RE-POSTED, BELOW:

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) posted a draft research plan on screening for prostate cancer. The draft research plan is available for review and public comment from October 29, 2015 to November 25, 2015. To review the draft research plan and submit comments, go to: http://bit.ly/1LEu5g3

The USPSTF is the organization responsive for the recommendation against prostate cancer screening.  Their May 2012 recommendation reads:

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer.

This recommendation has caused massive controversy throughout our health care system.  We ask you to post your comments on the USPSTF website, at: http://bit.ly/1LEu5g3

Whether you agree with their 2012 finding or not, our prostate cancer community needs to be heard.  This new research project gives all of us an opportunity to influence the outcome of prostate cancer screening in the United States.

Even if you don't know anything about research or the PSA test, it will be helpful to let the USPSTF know that prostate cancer patients and family members like you are keeping a watch on their work.

There are ten questions for you to comment on, spread over ten pages.  For example, on page three, you are asked to comment, What are the harms of PSA-based screening for prostate cancer?

You can select a multiple choice response and have the option to write one or several sentences with your personal thoughts. It takes about ten minutes or less to run through the pages, so please go to: http://bit.ly/1LEu5g3

Please let us know if you commented and or if you have any questions. You can email me directly at darryl@malecare.org

Best regards,

Darryl Mitteldorf, LCSW 

Executive Director 
Malecare 
Men fighting cancer, together. 

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