Tell your doctor WHAT you know about PCa

I was listening to the radio last night (yes some of us still do) about the time GAP between evidence based research and Clinicians awareness of the research. Apparently the GAP is TEN Years. The other obstacle was the plethora of good evidenced based research that most clinicians do not have the time to read. I’ve noted that Monash and Melbourne University are grouping their scientists and clinicians in teams to expedite cutting edge research. But, think of the old GP, who is trying to do his/her best under this new flood of information.

Therefore I think its incumbent on us as patients to “inform” doctors of new research. Case in point, not many doctors are aware of the “Testosterone saturation model” with regards to PCa. I arranged a “meeting” between my URO who informed my endocrinologist about the latest research and uptake by clinicians of this new "saturation" information.

Often, we assume that the doctor knows and that they do provide “the best” treatment. Last year on my quest to find out what was “wrong” with me I saw in excess of 20 doctors and visited 10 hospitals for various ailments and diagnostics. Only two of the doctors admitted that they were stumped and could not help me; one charged me a 1/4 of his fee for the consultation. I appreciated that, not because of the reduced fee, but admitting that the “problem” was beyond him.

Tell your doctor what you know or get them to talk to someone who knows.
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Agree totally,

I have a GP whom has said “I look forward to your visits,as I learn so much from you”. Now, he is no dummy, and is clearly not so egotistical to hear of breaking news. I admire his openness, and he is now someone that I can really trust.

It is important to bring your “reliable”, and up to date, PC knowledge to your doctors. If they dismiss it, beware!. You are your best advocate and may be the most knowledgeable person in the room. Many of these doctors have very little time on their hands, yet helping many people every day, I admire them for that.

If what you learn here is really “breaking news”, do not assume that even the best of best in the business are aware of it yet. Point being; I read here on HW the results of the Chaarted trial shortly after that news broke; I had a consult with Myers (Jan 14) and I mentioned the news concerning the advantage of starting chemo w/ADT trial results (I never mentioned Chaarted trial) but he replied “it didn't work out” and he went on: I was perplexed and assumed that I did not know what I was talking about. I'm sure Myers was referring to some past study on the same subject, and he has since published videos supporting the results of this study. I believe this was simply a matter of timing, and I had nothing to show him to support my comment. Bottom line, no matter whom you are seeing, tell them what you know , AND provide them with the data that you have! A good doc will appreciate your inputs!

I often wonder if this is a problem of awareness or a problem of liability. If physicians follow the status quo, they can't be sued for anything.

I tend to gravitate towards doctors who are interested in the research and enjoy talking about it. I take them research and they tell me what they think of it and offer other research in return.

But, one thing to remember is that while the research is out ahead of the clinicians in some respects the experienced clinicians are out ahead of the research in others. New uses for off-label drugs circulate among doctors over beer at medical conventions years before they come to the attention of the researchers and by the time the results are in more years will have past.