Secondary Treatment After Radical (STAR) Prostatectomy in Black Men
Abstract
More Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and die from prostate cancer than men of other ethnicities. These differences are driven by complex interactions between cancer biology, living environment, and a patient’s use of health care services. Studies have shown that Black men demonstrate differences in treatment choice and outcomes, which are often augmented by lower incomes, lower education levels, variable marital status, and underinsured insurance status. Specifically, Black men are less likely to undergo definitive treatment for localized prostate cancer, such as surgery or radiation. It is unknown whether, when Black men do undergo surgery, they also are less likely to utilize follow-up surveillance or secondary treatment. The primary goal of this study is to identify new areas of intervention to address disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. We have chosen three specific approaches to study this issue. First, we would like to understand how the use of post-treatment surveillance and secondary treatment varies between Black men and white men. We are concerned that, in addition to being less likely to receive definitive treatment, Black men who do so may then be less likely to receive adequate follow-up care and treatment. Second, we want to understand how Black men view and experience post-treatment care. If Black men have limited knowledge about post-treatment care or have had negative experiences, they may be experiencing a worse quality of prostate cancer care. Third, we want to assemble a community-based advisory committee that includes patients, community advocates, and prostate cancer researchers and clinicians to focus on solutions to improve the quality of prostate cancer care among Black men. This group will identify and prioritize future research activities informed by the study results. Dr. Yaw Nyame, the principal investigator for this award, is a urologic oncologist. He has demonstrated a keen interest in prostate cancer and health disparities, having completed numerous studies in disparities through his medical school education, residency in urology, fellowship in urologic oncology, and as a faculty member in the Department of Urology at the University of Washington. This award will help him to grow into an independent researcher in health disparities under the mentorship of Drs. Gore, Etzioni, and Mendoza, three internationally renowned researchers in population sciences, community engagement, and prostate cancer. Drs. Gore, Etzioni, and Mendoza have devised a structured mentorship and education plan for Dr. Nyame’s development as a surgeon-scientist that uses all of the many available resources at the University of Washington and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The work from this award will be an important foundation for Dr. Nyame as an academic urologic oncologist and health services researcher.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110531
Entities
People
- Yaw Nyame
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Washington