Patients' satisfaction with different modalities of prostate cancer therapy--a retrospective survey among 634...

To assess the overall impact of the most common contemporary prostate cancer therapies (radical prostatectomy, percutaneous irradiation, brachytherapy, hormonal therapy) with regard to physical and psychological well-being, as well as to general patient satisfaction.

In October 2006, a questionnaire focused on patients' opinions and satisfaction regarding their previous prostate cancer therapies was published in a patient cancer journal (Krebsmagazin). Results were collected until March, 2007 and analyzed using Wilcoxon and Student's t-tests.

Answers were obtained from 634 patients (radical prostatectomy: 61%; percutaneous irradiation: 17%; brachytherapy: 2%; hormonal therapy: 15%; other/combined: 5%). Concerning late side effects and convenience of treatment, 96% of all patients who had undergone percutaneous irradiation were very satisfied with their choice and would choose the same therapy again (brachytherapy: 93%; hormonal therapy: 84%; radical prostatectomy: 79%). Erectile dysfunction with inability to perform sexual intercourse was reported by 32% of all patients who underwent percutaneous irradiation (brachytherapy: 21%; hormonal therapy: 63%; radical prostatectomy: 52%). No sexual problems at all were reported by 22% of patients who underwent percutaneous irradiation (brachytherapy: 21%; hormonal therapy: 13%; radical prostatectomy: 4%). With regard to psychological and physical deficits (fear; depression; urinary, bowel, erectile dysfunction; hormonal disorders), percutaneous irradiation was superior to the other treatment options (no deficits: percutaneous irradiation; 49%; brachytherapy: 36%; hormonal therapy: 17%; radical prostatectomy: 15%).

Radiotherapy showed superior results regarding patient convenience and satisfaction in comparison to hormonal therapy and surgery in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.