How different treatments for clinically localised prostate cancer affect quality of life

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with clinically localised prostate cancer have a favourable long-term overall and cancer-specific survival regardless of treatment choice. These options differ in terms of side effects. Knowledge of the side effects of different management options is crucial for making treatment decisions, as they can negatively impact on patient’s quality of life. Methods: We conducted a literature review for articles concerning treatment and quality of life for clinically localised prostate cancer to access the impact of different treatments on patient’s quality of life. Results: We identified 5 prospective randomised comparative studies reporting QoL outcomes, recruiting a total of 2933 patients. Conclusion: Surgery seems to produce sexual and urinary incontinence deterioration, while external beam radiotherapy can cause bowel dysfunction and bother. Men managed with active surveillance have good overall quality of life scores, which seem to be better than those of patients undergoing radical treatments.