Comorbidity and primary treatment for localized prostate cancer: data from CaPSURE

The optimal approach for treating localized prostate cancer remains controversial, leading to a multifactorial decision making process. We characterized the extent to which the presence and number of comorbidities affects treatment for localized prostate cancer.

Data were abstracted from a longitudinal observational database of men with prostate cancer. A total of 5,149 men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 1995 and 2001 were included in this analysis if they had been treated with RP, external beam radiation, brachytherapy, hormonal therapy or surveillance. Comorbidity was assessed through a patient reported checklist of conditions. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the OR of the likelihood of receiving each type of therapy. The number of comorbidities and specific comorbidities in patients receiving RP were compared with comorbidities in patients receiving other treatment.

The adjusted OR showed a dose response between the number of comorbidities and an increasing probability of any nonRP treatment. In addition, heart disease, stroke or another urinary condition were found to be associated with treatment.

Patient comorbidities affect decision making regarding treatment for localized prostate cancer. Urologists and other physicians treating this disease appear to evaluate patient comorbidities when selecting treatment options.