Patient experience preparing for prostate cancer radiotherapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Patient Experience Research

Background:

• Bladder and rectal preparation for prostate cancer radiotherapy (PCa RT) can cause patient anxiety.
• Patient perceptions of RT preparation are not well-documented in existing literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine patient experiences with PCa RT preparation, focusing on understanding, comfort, anxiety, effectiveness, and daily life impact.
• To address the gap in literature regarding patient-reported outcomes of RT preparation.

Main Methods:

• A novel, validated patient preparation survey was administered to patients undergoing PCa or prostate bed +/- pelvic lymph node RT.
• Surveys were completed at planning scan, first week of RT, and final week of RT, including general, bladder, and rectal preparation questions, PHQ4, and EPIC Q15.

Main Results:

• Most patients reported positive perceptions of general (55-98%) and bladder (55-98%) preparation, and rectal preparation (59-100%).
• Difficulty with full bladder and enema use increased towards the end of RT. Anxiety/depression affected 12-13% of patients.
• Bowel toxicity was reported more frequently in the final week of RT.

Conclusions:

• Patient preparation needs for PCa RT appear to be largely met.
• A significant minority of patients experienced preparation as difficult, disruptive, and ineffective, particularly later in treatment.
• Further qualitative research is needed to understand variations in patient experiences with RT preparation.