J. Kellogg Parsons, MD, MHS, FACS, presented “Prostate Cancer Screening: The NCCN Perspective” during the 27th Annual Perspectives in Urology: Point Counterpoint on November 9, 2018 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

How to cite: Parsons, J. Kellogg. “Prostate Cancer Screening: The NCCN Perspective” November 9, 2018. Accessed Mar 2024. https://dev.grandroundsinurology.com/prostate-cancer-screening-the-nccn-perspective/

Prostate Cancer Screening- The NCCN Perspective – Summary:

J. Kellogg Parsons, MD, discusses the role of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Prostate Cancer Early Detection guidelines in the PSA screening debate. He then provides commentary on the three algorithms included in the guidelines.

This presentation is part of a Point-Counterpoint debate, coupled with “Prostate Cancer and Early Detection: Should We Follow the NCCN Guidelines?” by Sigrid V. Carlsson, MD, PhD, MPH.

The NCCN Prostate Cancer Early Detection Guidelines: A Middle Ground Between the USPSTF and the AUA

This presentation frames the development of the NCCN Prostate Cancer Early Detection guidelines through the context of the PSA screening debate exacerbated by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). In 2012, the USPSTF released their recommendation against PSA screening. In turn, the American Urological Association (AUA) responded to the USPSTF grading by arguing for screening large populations. The NCCN guidelines provide a practical middle ground in the polarized early detection debate.

The NCCN guidelines undergo annual updates and clearly note changes from prior versions for transparency. The society also makes great efforts to keep the guideline panelists free of conflicts-of-interest. It is essential to maintain the integrity of these guidelines, as Medicare and other payers use them to determine fee schedules.

The Prostate Cancer Early Detection guidelines include three practical, evidence-based algorithms designed for easy use in clinical practice. Each of these algorithms informs a different component of early detection and flows from one to the other in step-by-step order, from PSA screening, to indications for biopsy, and then to interpreting biopsy results.

This presentation reviews these three algorithms and provides commentary on relevant controversies, such as age-stratification for PSA screening and the introduction of MRI into the guidelines.

About Perspectives in Urology: Point Counterpoint

Perspectives in Urology: Point Counterpoint (PCP) is an annual CME-accredited conference devoted to discussing and debating the latest topics in men’s health, general urology, and genitourinary cancers. The conference’s format includes more than didactic lectures. It also includes debates, point-counterpoint discussion panels, and unique case-based presentations. Dr. Parsons presented this lecture during the 27th PCP in 2018. Please visit this page in order to register for future PCP meetings.