A Prospective, Comparative Study of Quality of Life among Patients with Small Renal Masses Choosing Active Surveillance and Primary Intervention

Purpose: To our knowledge quality of life has not been evaluated in rigorous fashion in patients undergoing active surveillance for small renal masses. The prospective, multi-institutional DISSRM (Delayed Intervention and Surveillance for Small Renal Masses) Registry was opened on January 1, 2009, enrolling patients with cT1a (4.0 cm or less) small renal masses who elected primary intervention or active surveillance.Materials and Methods: Patients were enrolled following a choice of active surveillance or primary intervention. The active surveillance protocol includes imaging every 4 to 6 months for 2 years and every 6 to 12 months thereafter. The SF12® quality of life questionnaire was completed at study enrollment, at 6 and 12 months, and annually thereafter. MCS (Mental Component Summary), PCS (Physical Component Summary) and overall score were evaluated among the groups and with time using ANOVA and linear regression mixed modeling.Results: At 82 months among 3 institutions 539 patients were enrolled ...