Prostate cancer and its treatment, particularly androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), can profoundly impact patients' quality of life. The aim of the prospective observational study reported here was to evaluate the effects of ADT on various aspects of quality of life in men with prostate cancer at a community-based hospital in Southern Italy.
Eligible men initiating hormonal therapy were recruited between December 2021 and December 2023. Data were collected at baseline (T0) and after 3 months (T1) and 6 months (T2) of ADT using standardized questionnaires (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-PR25) and semi-structured interviews.
Of the 52 participants, 43 completed all three assessments. The EORTC QLQ-C30 showed a statistically significant worsening in physical functioning (mean score decrease from 83.8 at T0 to 76.7 at T2; p < 0.001), increased fatigue (from 23.7 to 35.2; p < 0.001), and insomnia (from 23.7 to 31.8; p = 0.048) following ADT initiation. The QLQ-PR25 revealed a significant decline in sexual functioning (from 59 to 26.9; p < 0.001) and sexual activity (from 27.3 to 12; p = 0.001). Interviews revealed a significant rise in the number of patients reporting depressed mood. Interviews also highlighted a worsening in body image perception and sexuality, increased feelings of dependence, and challenges in the social and relational spheres.
ADT significantly impacts various aspects of quality of life in men with prostate cancer, particularly physical functioning, fatigue, sexual function, body image, and emotional well-being. These results underscore the critical importance of a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that addresses both the physical and psychosocial aspects of care.
Oncology and therapy. 2024 Nov 13 [Epub ahead of print]
Francesca Cappuccio, Carlo Buonerba, Luca Scafuri, Rossella Di Trolio, Pasquale Dolce, Serena Orsola Trabucco, Filomena Erbetta, Elvira Tulimieri, Antonella Sciscio, Concetta Ingenito, Antonio Verde, Giuseppe Di Lorenzo
Oncology Unit, "Andrea Tortora" Hospital, ASL Salerno, Pagani, Italy., Associazione O.R.A. ETS-Oncology Research Assistance, Salerno, Italy., Oncology Unit, "Andrea Tortora" Hospital, ASL Salerno, Pagani, Italy. ., Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy., Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.