Clinical trial priorities among surgeons caring for breast cancer patients

Background Designing and prioritizing successful clinical trials benefits from increased community physician input. We surveyed practicing surgeons about current controversies in breast cancer surgery, reported practices of discussing trial participation, and perceived obstacles to trial participation. Methods A 44-question survey was mailed in 2005–2006 to 2,187 randomly selected American College of Surgeons members actively seeing breast cancer patients. Responses were analyzed by surgeon sex, practice type, oncology training, professional society membership, and breast cancer patient volume. Results A total of 923 responses were received, with 460 eligible responses remaining for analysis. Most surgeons infrequently or never discuss trial participation with breast cancer patients. Inadequate infrastructure presents the greatest physician obstacle to trial participation. Identifying proven indications for completion axillary dissection after positive sentinel node biopsy marks the highest-ranked research priority for surgeons providing breast care. Conclusions Understanding topics of interest among practicing surgeons and addressing common obstacles to trial participation may result in improved breast cancer patient accrual through surgeons.