PURPOSE: To determine the impact of late radiation-induced toxicity on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with prostate cancer.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study sample was composed of 227 patients, treated with external beam radiotherapy. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 were used to grade late genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to assess HRQoL at baseline, and 6, 12 and 24months after completion of radiotherapy. Statistical analysis was performed using a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).
RESULTS: Urinary incontinence and rectal discomfort significantly affected HRQoL. The impact of urinary incontinence on HRQoL was most pronounced 6months after radiotherapy and gradually decreased over time. The impact of rectal discomfort on HRQoL was predominant at 6months after radiotherapy, decreased at 12 months and increased again 2 years after radiotherapy. No significant impact on HRQoL was observed for any of the other toxicity endpoints, or non-toxicity related factors such as hormonal therapy, radiotherapy technique or age.
CONCLUSION: Urinary incontinence and rectal discomfort have a significant impact on HRQoL. Prevention of these side effects may likely improve quality of life of prostate cancer patients after completion of treatment.
Written by:
Schaake W, Wiegman EM, de Groot M, van der Laan HP, van der Schans CP, van den Bergh AC, Langendijk JA. Are you the author?
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands; Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Professorship in Health Care and Nursing, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands; Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Professorship in Health Care and Nursing, Groningen, The Netherlands; Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Professorship in Health Care and Nursing, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.
Reference: Radiother Oncol. 2014 Jan 7. pii: S0167-8140(13)00628-2.
doi: 10.1016/j.radonc.2013.11.011
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24411226
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