Prostate cancer-related abbreviations: What acronym would you add?

@colleenyoung

How about adding RARP? Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Is it the same as RALP? When I see RARP, I think it means the entire prostate is removed, while RALP can be entire or some. Not sure if this is correct.

@davederousseau, added. RARP and RALP are often used interchangeably. They both describe the robotic-assisted removal of the prostate. The acronym RALP highlights the "minimally invasive" (laparoscopic) nature and tRARP highlights the "robotic" assistance.

RALP = Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy
RARP = Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

@retiredboomer71 added.

The listing of cancer-related abbreviations, plus suggested additions, is helpful, but I have a suggestion and an observation. I suggest that Mayo Connect establish a permanent listing, continually updated and easily accessed, for future reference, obviating the need to read through the master list, plus numerous comments suggesting new abbreviations. The suggestion is simple - DO NOT OVERUSE ABBREVIATIONS. The observation - many of the comments/discussions found in Mayo Clinic Connect contain minimal abbreviations, usually not more than one or two. But the "newbies, and relatively "newbies" like me (3-4 months), can't make sense of the comment/discussion point without first going to the folder in which the list is retained to look up the abbreviations. Without adding materially to the length of his/her comment, the writer could simply use the few words for which the abbreviation has been created. In professional treatises, written by doctors for doctors, and researchers for researchers, with many pertinent items being discussed, the use of commonly known abbreviations (common to the professional community, but not the laity) is understandable and sensible. When communicating with the patient, usually a layman, why not use simple, plain English?

@colleenyoung
Please add Extraprostatic extension (EPE)

@byelliq6, added.

Consider creating versus adding: HDR-B and LDR-B for brachytherapy alone. 'EPE' is an addition as I believe, a standard abbreviation.

Here are two submissions. NEPC: Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer.
CRS: Cytokine Release Syndrome. This CRS is a major obstacle for creating a safe immunotherapy, as too often the immunity fighters (T cells and NK cells) start killing healthy cells after wiping out the cancer cells.

Are you bothered, as I have been, by the prevalence of abbreviations in the majority of comments/replies in Mayo Connect? Let me describe my experience. There is a lesson to be learned.
Last Fall, my PCP took note of an increase in my PSA and referred me to a urological ONCO. Given my age (90+), the ONCO initially recommended, that we do nothing. He even suggested that I consider foregoing further checks of PSA levels. When I indicated that I did not consider that as an acceptable option, he recommended AS to see if and how the PSA progressed. However, following a DRE which I requested, and in which he noted two lesions, he diagnosed a PCa and referred me to an RO and an MO to explore my options, if I were to opt for TX instead of AS. The MO ordered an MRI and BX, which confirmed PCa. The MRI resulted in seven PI-RADS including three 4’s, GS-7 (4+3). That was followed by a PET scan which confirmed that the Ca was confined within the prostate, with M0. Despite my age, I opted to treat the PCa aggressively, and opted for EBRT, my TX of choice, electing to undergo PBRT at the Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute (HUPCI). The MO recommended, and the RO concurred, that I should undergo ADT using Orgovyx concurrently with 9 weeks of PBRT, and continuing for an additional 4-5 months after completion of the radiation therapy. The cost of PBRT is covered by original Medicare, which provides no Part D pharmacy benefit. Luckily, as a military retiree, funding for meds is provided by TFL, however, pre-authorization is required for some special drugs, such as Orgovyx. Our original request was denied, so I started ADT with a less expensive Firmagon injection which did not require pre-authorization. A month later, my appeal of the denial was accepted, the request was reconsidered, and the Orgovyx pre-authorization was issued. I have completed my PBRT, with only minimal SE. My ADT will continue for another 4+ months.

Have you had enough of abbreviations? This is an accurate, though admittedly “Tongue in Cheek,” description of my experience with Prostate Cancer. Please keep the admonishment of Colleen Young, Mayo Connect Director, in mind when making contributions to Mayo Connect discussions:

“When you use or see an abbreviation in a discussion please spell it out for others
who may be new.”

@georgemc The thing is, we live with this every day, so we're exposed to non-stop acronyms, whether we like it or not.
For instance, I had a report come back saying I had PI-RADS4.
What the hell is that? Off to Dr Google to find out.
Because we want to know what's wrong.
I only look up acronyms that apply to me.

2 years into this nightmare, I have no idea what PBRT is & have no desire to find out.
Peanut Butter... Raisin Toast?
No idea & I'd rather not know.