title: Health-related quality of life using SF-8 and EPIC questionnaires after treatment with radical retropubic prostatectomy and permanent prostate brachytherapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after treatment of prostate cancer is examined using a new HRQOL tool. HRQOL, based on the expanded prostate cancer index composite (EPIC) and SF-8 questionnaires, was prospectively compared after either a radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) or a permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB) at a single institute.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between October 2005 and June 2007, 96 patients were treated by an RRP and 88 patients were treated by a PPB. A HRQOL survey was completed at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment, prospectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The general HRQOL in the RRP and PPB groups was not different after 3 months. However, at baseline and 1 month after treatment, the mental component summary was significantly better in the PPB group than in the RRP group. Moreover, the disease-specific HRQOL was worse regarding urinary and sexual functions in the RRP group. Urinary irritative/obstructive was worse in the PPB group, but urinary incontinence was worse in the RRP group and had not recovered to baseline after 12 months. The bowel function and bother were worse in the PPB group than in the RRP group after 3 months. In the RRP group, the patients with nerve sparing demonstrated the same scores in sexual function as the PPB group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This prospective study revealed the differences in the HRQOL after an RRP and PPB. Disease-specific HRQOL is clarified by using EPIC survey. These results will be helpful for making treatment decisions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center, 160 Minamiumemoto, Matsuyama 791-0280, Japan. khashine@shikoku-cc.go.jp
authors.forename: Katsuyoshi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hashine
authors.forename: Yoshito
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kusuhara
authors.forename: Noriyoshi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Miura
authors.forename: Akitomi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shirato
authors.forename: Yoshiteru
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sumiyoshi
authors.forename: Masaaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kataoka
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001918:Brachytherapy; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*