Long-Term Subjective Functional Outcomes of Prostate Cancer: Prostatectomy vs Radiation

Abstract

Background Long-term subjective outcomes of prostate cancer are relatively unknown. The Oregon Urology Institute (OUI) has been collecting subjective functional outcome data to help determine the long-term subjective outcomes of prostatectomy vs radiation therapy. Methods Patients treated at OUI completed interval post-treatment questionnaires that assessed: urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal function, and overall treatment satisfaction. Two cohorts were established: prostatectomy vs radiation. Results from each cohort were compared and analyzed with a linear mixed effect model. Results Our longitudinal dataset includes a prostatectomy cohort of 410 patients and radiation therapy cohort of 416 patients surveyed at the 3-month interval, but the number of patients decreased after each time interval (ie 3, 6, 9, and 12 months and then annually for up till 14 years post-treatment). Urinary and sexual functional scores decreased by 4% and 8% after radiation, whereas prostatectomy had a 5% and 13% increase over time post-treatment, respectively. Over time, patients treated with prostatectomy were found to be more satisfied with the outcome of their treatment than patients receiving radiation therapy. Conclusion Prostatectomy and radiation therapy had impacts on quality of life measurements that emphasize the importance of making the best-informed decision in each unique situation.