Background

Study compliance is crucial when the study outcome is determined by an invasive procedure, such as prostate biopsy. To investigate predictors of compliance in study-mandated prostate biopsies, we analyzed demographic, clinical and reported lifestyle data from the REDUCE trial.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 8025 men from REDUCE with at least 2 years of follow-up, and used multivariable logistic regression to test the association between baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and undergoing the study-mandated prostate biopsy at 2 years. We then examined whether missing any of these data was associated with undergoing a biopsy.

Results

In REDUCE, 22% of men did not undergo a 2-year biopsy. On multivariable analysis, the non-North American region was predictive of 42-44% increased likelihood of undergoing a 2-year biopsy (P⩽0.001). Being enrolled at a center that enrolled >10 subjects (2nd and 3rd tertile) was associated with a 42-48% increased likelihood of undergoing a 2-year biopsy (P<0.001). In addition, black race predicted 44% lower rate of on-study 2-year biopsy (odds ratio (OR)=0.56; P=0.001). Finally, missing one or more baseline variables was associated with a 32% decreased likelihood of undergoing a 2-year biopsy (OR=0.68; P<0.001).

Conclusions

In REDUCE, men outside North America, those at higher volume centers and those with complete baseline data were more likely to undergo study-mandated 2-year biopsies. Given prostate biopsy is becoming increasingly utilized as an endpoint in trials that are often multi-national, regional differences in compliance should be considered when designing future trials. Likewise, efforts are needed to ensure compliance in low-volume centers or among subjects missing baseline data.