Comparison of Quality of Life in Patients with Prostate Cancer Who Received Curative Radiation Therapy, Radical Prostatectomy, or Combined Treatment

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, the importance of quality of life (QoL) in healthcare has increased significantly, particularly in the management of chronic diseases such as prostate cancer (PCa). We aimed to show the effects of functional outcomes of treatment options, such as retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), radiotherapy (RT), and active surveillance, on QoL in patients with localized PCa. Methods: Questionnaires on demographic characteristics, QoL, urinary incontinence (UI) level, patients’ knowledge of complications before treatment, and treatment of complications were completed. Patients diagnosed with PCa were divided into three groups: RRP, RT, and RRP combined with RT. Results: There was no statistical difference between the treatment groups in terms of QoL, Mini-mental test scores, age, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen level, Charlson index, and International Society of Urological Pathology grade score, but UI scores were lower in the RT group. The most important finding was that QoL was statistically higher in patients who were informed about UI and erectile dysfunction (ED) before treatment and in patients who were treated for UI or ED after treatment. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the choice of treatment (RRP, RT, or RRP combined with RT) does not significantly affect the overall QoL of patients with localized PCa. However, patient education about potential complications, such as ED and UI, followed by appropriate treatment appears to be crucial for improving QoL after treatment.