Research

Analysis of health related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer, one year after treatment with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) alone versus EBRT and high dose rate brachytherapy (HDRBT)

Kurian Jones Joseph¹ , Riaz Alvi² , David Skarsgard³ , Jon Tonita² , Nadeem Pervez¹ , Cormac Small¹ and Patricia Tai⁴

¹  Department of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute & University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

²  Department of Epidemiology Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

³  Department of Radiation Oncology Tom Baker Cancer Center & University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

⁴  Department of Radiation Oncology, Allan Blair Cancer Centre and University of Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

author email corresponding author email

Radiation Oncology 2008, 3:20doi:10.1186/1748-717X-3-20

Published:	15 July 2008

Abstract

Purpose

Prostate cancer is the leading form of cancer diagnosed among North American men. Most patients present with localized disease, which can be effectively treated with a variety of different modalities. These are associated with widely different acute and late effects, which can be both physical and psychological in nature. HRQoL concerns are therefore important for these patients for selecting between the different treatment options.

Materials and methods

One year after receiving radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer 117 patients with localized prostate cancer were invited to participate in a quality of life (QoL) self reported survey. 111 patients consented and participated in the survey, one year after completion of their treatment. 88 patients received EBRT and 23 received EBRT and HDRBT. QoL was compared in the two groups by using a modified version of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) survey instrument.

Results

One year after completion of treatment, there was no significant difference in overall QoL scores between the two groups of patients. For each component of the modified FACT-P survey, i.e. physical, social/family, emotional, and functional well-being; there were no statistically significant differences in the mean scores between the two groups.

Conclusion

In prostate cancer patients treated with EBRT alone versus combined EBRT and HDRBT, there was no significant difference in the QoL scores at one year post-treatment.