Patients' Satisfaction with Different Modalities of Prostate Cancer Therapy – A Retrospective Survey among 634 Patients

Abstract

Aim: To assess the overall impact of the most common contemporary prostate cancer therapies (radical prostatectomy, percutaneous irradiation, brachytherapy, hormonal therapy) with regard to physical and psychological well-being, as well as to general patient satisfaction. Patients and Methods: In October 2006, a questionnaire focused on patients' opinions and satisfaction regarding their previous prostate cancer therapies was published in a patient cancer journal (Krebsmagazin). Results were collected until March, 2007 and analyzed using Wilcoxon and Student's t-tests. Results: Answers were obtained from 634 patients (radical prostatectomy: 61%; percutaneous irradiation: 17%; brachytherapy: 2%; hormonal therapy: 15%; other/combined: 5%). Concerning late side effects and convenience of treatment, 96% of all patients who had undergone percutaneous irradiation were very satisfied with their choice and would choose the same therapy again (brachytherapy: 93%; hormonal therapy: 84%; radical prostatectomy: 79%). Erectile dysfunction with inability to perform sexual intercourse was reported by 32% of all patients who underwent percutaneous irradiation (brachytherapy: 21%; hormonal therapy: 63%; radical prostatectomy: 52%). No sexual problems at all were reported by 22% of patients who underwent percutaneous irradiation (brachytherapy: 21%; hormonal therapy: 13%; radical prostatectomy: 4%). With regard to psychological and physical deficits (fear; depression; urinary, bowel, erectile dysfunction; hormonal disorders), percutaneous irradiation was superior to the other treatment options (no deficits: percutaneous irradiation; 49%; brachytherapy: 36%; hormonal therapy: 17%; radical prostatectomy: 15%). Conclusion: Radiotherapy showed superior results regarding patient convenience and satisfaction in comparison to hormonal therapy and surgery in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.