Identifying knowledge-translation opportunities in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer.

47 Background: Guidelines are usually developed using systematic literature reviews. Expert opinion plays a key role but can be difficult to incorporate. The objective of this study was to develop a national consensus of expert opinion on the management of Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC) and subsequently identify gaps in knowledge translation in current practice. Methods: 361 Canadian oncologists were subdivided into LABC experts (n = 83) and non-experts (n = 278). Experts were surveyed with a modified Delphi protocol to establish consensus. A systematic literature review was performed and compared to expert opinion. Non-experts were then surveyed with a 29-item questionnaire to determine current practice patterns. Z test was used to assess discordance. Results: Response rate for the expert survey was 61% (51/83). Consensus was achieved in all key aspects of care and was concordant to published literature in areas of: clinical assessment with caliper at each cycle, option of lumpectomy if good clini...