Patient-reported Outcomes After Prostate Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy at 5 yr: Results from the PACE-B Trial

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are crucial for evaluating cancer treatment effectiveness.
• The PACE-B trial is a phase 3 international study comparing stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (CRT) for localized prostate cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present 5-year PROMs from the PACE-B trial.
• To compare long-term urinary and sexual function outcomes between SBRT and CRT for localized prostate cancer.

Main Methods:

• The study reports 5-year PROMs from the international PACE-B trial.
• Men with localized prostate cancer were randomized to SBRT or CRT.
• PROMs were collected from baseline to 5 years and visualized using waffle charts.

Main Results:

• At 5 years, urinary incontinence outcomes were favorable and comparable between SBRT and CRT groups.
• Leak-free rates were 64% (SBRT) vs. 69% (CRT); pad-free rates were 91% (SBRT) vs. 90% (CRT).
• Intercourse-adequate erections declined in both groups, and moderate/big sexual problems increased; bowel effects remained low and comparable.

Conclusions:

• Both SBRT and CRT demonstrate comparable long-term urinary continence after treatment for localized prostate cancer.
• Sexual function declines over 5 years in both treatment groups, highlighting the need for supportive care.
• PROMs visualized with waffle charts provide valuable insights into patient experiences with radiotherapy for prostate cancer.