Treatment Experiences, Information Needs, Pain and Quality of Life in Men with Metastatic Castrate-resistant Prostate Cancer: Results from the EXTREQOL Study

Abstract

Aims
Delaying progression, ameliorating symptoms and maintaining quality of life (QoL) are primary aims of treatment for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Real-world rather than clinical trial data about symptoms and side-effects are sparse. In EXTREQOL, patients' QoL, pain and information needs were recorded during treatment.

Material and methods
Men with mCRPC from 20 UK cancer centres starting various systemic mCRPC treatments completed QoL, pain and information needs questionnaires at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Results
In total, 132 patients were recruited. Overall QoL declined significantly by 6 months (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate [FACT-P] mean = –3.89, 95% confidence interval –6.7 to –1.05, P = 0.007; Trial Outcome Index [TOI] analysis mean = –3.10, 95% confidence interval –5.34 to –0.83, P = 0.007). Those who came off novel therapy and remained on luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonist therapy alone had worse scores than patients receiving concomitant chemotherapy (Prostate Concerns Subscale mean difference = –4.45, 95% confidence interval –7.06 to –1.83, P = 0.001; TOI mean difference = –5.62, 95% confidence interval –10.97 to –0.26, P = 0.040). At 3 and 6 months, men who reported pain at baseline improved (43%, 40%), but for others pain levels remained the same (45%, 42%) or worsened (13%, 18%). Information regarding supportive care was lacking throughout the period of time on the study.

Conclusion
Most mCRPC treated patients experience reduced QoL and inadequate pain control. More help with pain management and better information provision regarding supportive care is warranted.