Treatment preferences and involvement in treatment decision making of patients with endometrial cancer and clinicians

M. Kunneman*, A. H. Pieterse, A. M. Stiggelbout, R. A. Nout, M. Kamps, L. C. H. W. Lutgens, J. Paulissen, O. J. A. Mattheussens, R. F. P. M. Kruitwagen, C. L. Creutzberg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) in high-intermediate-risk endometrial cancer (EC) provides a significant reduction in the risk of local cancer recurrence, but without survival benefit and with increased mucosal atrophy. Five-year local control is estimated to be similar for VBT and a watchful waiting policy (WWP), in which patients receive VBT combined with external radiation in case of a recurrence. Our aim was to assess treatment preferences of EC patients and clinicians regarding VBT and WWP, and to evaluate their preferred and perceived involvement in treatment decision making. Methods: Interviews were held with 95 treated EC patients. The treatment trade-off method was used to assess the minimally desired benefit from VBT in local control. Patients' preferred and perceived involvement in decision making were assessed using a questionnaire. Seventy-seven clinicians completed a questionnaire assessing their minimally desired benefit and preferred involvement in decision making. Results: Minimally desired benefit of VBT was significantly lower for patients than for clinicians (median 0 vs 8%, P
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)674-679
JournalBritish Journal of Cancer
Volume111
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Aug 2014

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