A preliminary report on a patient-preference study to compare treatment options in early prostate cancer

To prospectively record prognostic factors, quality-of-life and outcome data in a patient-preference controlled study comparing radical prostatectomy with radical radiotherapy for the treatment of early prostate cancer.

All patients suitable for radical treatment of early prostate cancer were identified and provided with information from a urologist, oncologist and nurse to allow them to choose a treatment option. Prognostic and demographic data were recorded for all patients and patients followed up uniformly, with the additional collection of quality-of-life data.

In a 38-month period, 196 patients were recruited to the trial; of these, 81 chose surgery, 81 radiotherapy, 30 brachytherapy and four 'watchful waiting'. The distribution of acknowledged prognostic factors was similar between the groups.

If patient preference continues to divide this population into roughly equal and comparable arms, it should be possible to answer the underlying questions on the treatment of early prostate cancer using this study design.