A method for assessing accurate application of the Partin Tables in the pre-therapy evaluation of patients with prostate cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The treatment of prostate cancer is frequently influenced by the Partin Tables. This predictive model has been internally and externally validated since it was conceived, and has proved to be remarkably reliable and consistent. This paper proposes that, by using the statistical programme for the social sciences (SPSS) and receiver-operator characteristic curves, it is possible to detect institutions that apply this model sub-optimally.


METHODS
This theory was supported by a PUBMED search using relevant search words.


RESULTS
This is a novel technique with the potential to allow retrospective and prospective accrual of results.


CONCLUSIONS
A systematic institutional review of how accurately a hospital assesses the clinical stage, Gleason score and PSA has the potential to increase an institution's predictive accuracy when it uses the Partin Tables. The proposed method allows for quantitation of the level of error and comparison of predictive accuracy between institutions. It also may be used as an internal outcome measure to assess improvement in a hospital's investigative procedures over time.
Kelleher
F C
FC
St Vincent's University Hospital, Department of Medical Oncology, Dublin, Ireland. fergalkelleher@hotmail.com
Armstrong
J
J
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology*
D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen