[Survey of factors underlying treatment choice for patients with localized prostate cancer (radical prostatectomy vs extrabeam radiotherapy)].
OBJECTIVE
Little is known regarding factors for decision-making on treatment by localized prostate cancer patients. We therefore conducted a survey series of cases for influence on treatment decision making, and also satisfaction after therapy.


METHODS
A total of 51 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) or external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) were mailed original questionnaires about their treatment decision-making factors and satisfaction and the results compared between the two groups.


RESULTS
Some 48 (94.1%) patients responded to the questionnaire, 38 (79.2%) and 10 (20.8%) after RP and EBRT, respectively. The major factor determining the decision as to treatment approach was the physician in both groups (more than 90%). Excluding physicians, family or others were more important in the RP group than the EBRT group (p = 0.023). RP group patients desired removal of their prostate for cancer control, while, EBRT group patients favored the less invasive approach in consideration of side effects. Over 80% patients indicated they would definitely or probably choose the same treatment again, although some of the RP group would switch to watchful-waiting because of sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence and the invasive nature of the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Physicians are in a most important position to help patients understand prostate cancer and treatment, outcomes, and need to help them make their best choice, with appropriate follow up including mental care.
Teramoto
Sakiko
S
Department of Urology, Kameda Medical Center.
Ota
Tomonori
T
Itaya
Naoshi
N
Maniwa
Akimitsu
A
Matsui
Takashi
T
Nishimura
Yoji
Y
Shofi
Kazufusa
K
D000368:Aged; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011468:Prostatectomy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires