Symptoms and Impacts in Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Qualitative Study Findings

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Patient Experience Research
• Urology

Background:

• Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (M0-CRPC) presents unique challenges for patients.
• Understanding patient-reported outcomes is crucial for managing M0-CRPC.
• Existing literature often focuses on metastatic disease, leaving a gap in understanding early-stage impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conceptual model defining key concepts of patient experiences with signs, symptoms, and impacts of M0-CRPC.
• To identify and prioritize the most significant symptoms and impacts from the patient's perspective.
• To differentiate between disease-related and treatment-related consequences in M0-CRPC.

Main Methods:

• A targeted literature review identified early-stage prostate cancer symptoms and impacts.
• Semi-structured interviews with clinical experts refined relevant concepts for M0-CRPC.
• Qualitative interviews with 17 M0-CRPC patients elucidated frequently experienced symptoms and their life interference.

Main Results:

• Literature identified urinary, intestinal, and sexual symptoms.
• Experts and patients frequently reported erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, urinary urgency, and incontinence.
• Greatest patient-reported impacts stemmed from treatment side effects, including interference with daily activities and emotional distress, rather than disease symptoms alone.

Conclusions:

• Urinary and sexual dysfunction are leading concerns for M0-CRPC patients.
• The most impactful symptoms and consequences for patients often arise from cancer therapy, not the disease itself.
• A conceptual model is essential for understanding the multifaceted patient experience in M0-CRPC.