A comparative analysis of fear of cancer recurrence in patients with small renal masses: Active surveillance versus cryoablation

Rasmine Bak*, Theresa Junker, Jørgen B. Jensen, Tau Pelant, Rikke N. Haase, Robert Zachariae, Tommy K. Nielsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

9 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in patients diagnosed with a small renal mass (SRM) and managed with either active surveillance (AS) or minimal invasive renal cryoablation (CA). PATIENTS/MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 398 patients with SRMs (263 AS and 135 CA patients) were retrospectively identified across three institutions and invited to complete the Fear of Cancer Recurrence-Short Form (FCRI-SF) questionnaire. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in FCRI-SF score were observed between the AS (mean = 10.9, standard deviation [SD] = 6.9) and CA (mean = 10.2, SD = 7.2) (p = 0.559) patients, with the mean scores of both groups being below the suggested clinically significant cut-off of 16. A total of 25% of AS and 28% of CA patients reported sub-clinical or clinical levels of FCR (FCRI-SF score > 16). Within the AS group, a weak negative association between FCR severity and age was observed (r = -0.23, p = 0.006), and a statistically significant difference in FCRI-SF score between patients aged more or less than 73 years (p = 0.009). INTERPRETATION: FCR levels were comparable between AS and CA patients, suggesting that treatment decisions should prioritise clinical factors. Up to 28% of AS and CA patients report clinically significant FCR, highlighting the importance of considering the possibility of FCR, especially in younger patients.

Original languageEnglish
JournalActa Oncologica
Volume63
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)573-579
ISSN0284-186X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22. Jul 2024

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A comparative analysis of fear of cancer recurrence in patients with small renal masses: Active surveillance versus cryoablation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this