Treatment patterns in patients with prostate cancer and bone metastasis among US community-based urology group practices.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a cohort of United States-based urology practices for patterns related to screening, diagnosis, and treatment of bone metastases in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer.

METHODS: Chart audits at 15 community-based urology group practices were conducted in the United States. Patient charts were eligible for study inclusion and review if they had documented bone metastasis secondary to castration-resistant prostate cancer. Data abstracted include site and patient demographics, diagnosis patterns, and bone metastases treatment between July 2006 and July 2009. A sample of approximately 10 charts per practice was used, starting with the most recent patient who met eligibility requirements.

RESULTS: Eligible patients (n = 147) from 15 practices had a mean (SD) age of 67.8 (9.3) years at prostate cancer diagnosis and 72.5 (8.6) years at diagnosis of bone metastasis. Bone metastasis occurred 31.3 months (median) after cancer diagnosis. Seventy-three percent (n = 108) of patients had multiple bone metastases, and 82% (n = 120) had bone metastases in weight-bearing bones at last follow-up. Intravenous bisphosphonates were administered to 49% (72/147) of patients, with 97% (70/72) receiving zoledronic acid.

CONCLUSION: Among patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and documented bone metastases, approximately one half received intravenous zoledronic acid. This suggests that the other half of patients with bone metastases from prostate cancer remained undertreated for the prevention of skeletal complications based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines during the study time period.