A Survey of Chinese Breast Surgeons' Response in Clinical Practice to ACOSOG Z0011 Trial

Objective To investigate Chinese breast surgeons' awareness of the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z0011 trial and evaluate the impact of Z0011 trial on their surgical practice. Methods A survey was sent by e-mail to Chinese breast surgeons. Questions assessed the respondents' familiarity with Z0011 trial and preferences for treating patients fulfilling the Z0011 criteria. Factors associated with the surgeon's awareness of Z0011 and surgical practice pattern were also analyzed. Results The survey was completed by 427 surgeons, 116 (27.2%) of respondents indicated familiar with Z0011 and 122(28.5%) hadn't heard of it. Among the 305 surgeons knowing Z0011, 78(25.6%) and 115(37.7%) preferred omitting axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for patients fulfilling Z0011 criteria before and after learning of Z0011 results, respectively. The grade and region of the hospital each surgeon practiced in, surgeon's degree and practice duration were correlated with their familiarity with Z0011 (P<0.05) but didn't associated with their surgical practice after knowing Z0011 trial results (P>0.05). Conclusion Most surgeons indicate familiarity with Z0011 and would not incorporate Z0011 into practice in China.