This cross-sectional questionnaire study aims to gain insight into health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patients' perspectives on reducing the follow-up frequency of follow-up CTs after curative treatment for adult patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
This prospective single-center study was conducted between June 15, 2023 and April 9, 2025. Adult patients with histologically confirmed de novo RCC who underwent curative surgery (radical/partial nephrectomy) or a type of tumor ablation (cryoablation/MWA/RFA) and were scheduled for follow-up CT, were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire. HRQoL was assessed using the validated by EuroQol Research Foundation EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire. Patient perspective on follow-up was explored through a self-developed questionnaire consisting of eight closed-ended and two open-ended questions.
Fifty patients completed the questionnaire. The overall response rate of the EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire was 98.0%, with no health state problems (level 1) being the most frequently selected answer (78.0%). The response rate of the self-developed questionnaire was 97.0%. In the closed-ended question, most patients reported that follow-up CTs gives extra reassurance (84.0%). Patients were generally satisfied (79.6%) with the current number of follow-up CTs. A potential reduction in scanning frequency was often perceived negatively, 68.0% find it unpleasant and 64.0% would feel less safe. In the open-ended questions, 42.0% mentioned increased uncertainty as a disadvantage of reduced imaging. No significant differences were found between early and late follow-up groups (p > 0.05).
This study shows that although reduced follow-up imaging may be clinically safe, successful implementation will require clear communication, expectation management and shared decision-making to address patients' emotional and psychological needs.
Follow-up CT scans offer patients a sense of security. Reducing the frequency requires careful communication and shared decision-making to minimize anxiety.
Abdominal radiology (New York). 2025 Dec 09 [Epub ahead of print]
Marlin A A Reijerink, Jaap Stoker, Patricia J Zondervan, Shandra Bipat
Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands. ., Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands., Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, Netherlands.