Prostate cancer investigation, treatment and follow-up algorithm

This tool is not only innovative, but it is also in keeping with a clinical relevance approach. In effect, on the one hand, it facilitates the management of prostate cancer patients, and, on the other, it reflects both the best available evidence and current clinical practice in Québec (expert consensus).

In line with its mission to promote communication and cooperation between Québec’s different oncology professionals, the Groupe d’étude en oncologie du Québec (GEOQ) undertook, in the spring of 2014, work aimed at creating prostate cancer investigation, treatment and follow-up algorithms that were to reflect both current practices in Québec and the best available evidence. The GEOQ worked closely with the Unité d'évaluation en cancérologie (UEC) of the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) to create this guide. The work was carried out with the support of the Direction générale de cancérologie (DGC) of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS).

Close to 50 Québec oncology experts specializing in the investigation and treatment of prostate cancer took part in a consensus meeting for the purpose of answering more than 140 questions concerning specific topics. A review of the scientific literature was then carried out for each question. The algorithms were written by the UEC's scientific professionals using the answers to the questions and literature data. The document was validated and revised by the Consensus Meeting Organizing Committee, the group of experts present, and the UEC.

There are clickable links throughout the document that serve as bridges between all the sections. It contains decision algorithms and the main recommendations pertaining to them. The recommendations are accompanied by a summary of the evidence and of the points of discussion. Therefore, from a given topic in an algorithm, the user can quickly navigate to the recommendations and the underlying evidence.