[Prostate cancer in routine healthcare: health-related quality of life after inpatient treatment].

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCA) is the most common form of neoplasm in men and various treatment options are available. Knowledge of health-related quality of life (HRQL) can provide information to support informed decision-making. In addition, information on factors influencing HRQL can provide indications for the further development of medical treatment. The aim of the study was to obtain data on HRQL after inpatient treatment of PCA and the identification of determinants of HRQL after PCA in routine healthcare.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study a total of 1165 beneficiaries of a German health insurance with a hospital stay due to prostate cancer (ICD C61) were surveyed on their health-related quality of life using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire version 3 (EORTC QLQ-C30 V3.0) and disease-specific symptoms using the perceived sensitivity to medicine (PSM) scale 14 months after discharge. Survey data were linked with pseudonymous claims data of the health insurance provider. Determinants of HRQL were examined by logistic regression.
RESULTS: Responses from 825 men (mean age 67.6 years and 80% treated with radical prostatectomy) were available for analysis (response 70.8%). Compared to the reference population impairments in HRQL were reported especially in terms of the roles and social functionality. The prostate-specific symptoms varied depending on the treatment strategy. A nerve-sparing surgical technique reduced the likelihood of erectile dysfunction. Other protective factors were no pre-existing comorbidities and younger age. DISCUSSION: The effects of PCA on the HRQOL varied by age, comorbidities and treatment modality which should be considered in healthcare information and counseling of patients.