A pilot investigation of a multidisciplinary quality of life intervention for men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot project evaluated the acceptability and estimated the effect size of a tailored multidisciplinary quality of life (MQOL) intervention for men who have biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.


METHODS
Participants included 57 men with localized prostate cancer with biochemical recurrence (Median=76 years; 89% White). Participants were randomized to wait list control which offered the intervention upon conclusion of the study (n=27) or to an eight-session group-based, MQOL (n=30) intervention. Assessments were completed at baseline, end of treatment, and 6 months post-treatment.


RESULTS
MQOL was acceptable as indicated by favorable participant retention (100% retained), treatment compliance (97% attended > 6 treatment sessions), and high ratings of helpfulness (80% rated helpfulness > 4 on 5-point scale). MQOL had a favorable impact on the mental health composite score of the Short Form-36 at the end of treatment but not at 6 months (effect size=0.52 and -0.04); health-related QOL as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate at the end of treatment and 6 months (effect size=0.14 and 0.10); and prostate cancer specific anxiety as measured by the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer at the end of treatment and 6 months (effect size=0.45 and 0.23).


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot project provides preliminary data supporting the premise that a tailored behaviorally based MQOL intervention for men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer is acceptable to men and might reduce prostate cancer specific anxiety and enhance QOL. Further research examining the efficacy of this intervention in a larger randomized trial is warranted.
Ames
Steven C
SC
Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA. ames.steven@mayo.edu
Tan
Winston W
WW
Ames
Gretchen E
GE
Stone
Ronald L
RL
Rizzo
Thomas D
TD
Crook
Julia E
JE
Williams
Christopher R
CR
Werch
Chudley E
CE
Clark
Matthew M
MM
Rummans
Teresa A
TA
D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D016896:Treatment Outcome