Study Protocol for the DETECTIVE Study: An International Collaborative Study To Develop Consensus Statements for Deferred Treatment with Curative Intent for Localised Prostate Cancer

Deferred active treatment (DAT) strategies, including active surveillance and active monitoring, are a recognised management option for men with localised low-risk prostate cancer. However, there is uncertainty due to heterogeneity of patient selection criteria, follow-up and monitoring characteristics, reclassification thresholds, and which outcome measures should be prioritised. This protocol describes a study led by the European Association of Urology (EAU) Prostate Cancer Guidelines Panel in conjunction with other guideline organisations and societies* to develop consensus statements for all domains of deferred active treatment. The project is divided into 3 sequential phases: (1) Systematic review of studies reporting on DAT in order to summarise and define range of heterogeneity regarding all domains; (2) Two-round Delphi online survey involving a large, international panel of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients to initiate consensus; and (3) Consensus group meeting involving representatives from HCP and patient stakeholder groups to finalise the consensus process. The consensus statements are expected to be adopted by clinical practice guidelines in order to standardise and guide practice for clinicians and researchers until better evidence emerges.

Patient summary: We describe a project aimed at standardising elements of practice in active surveillance/monitoring for early localised prostate cancer, because currently there is great variation and uncertainty regarding how best to conduct them. This will be achieved through a structured process of agreement (i.e. consensus) amongst a large, international panel of healthcare professionals and patients.