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Zagory JA, Chang C, Knight SJ, Lyons A, Bennett CL. Urinary dysfunction appears to be the primary determinant of castration versus observation for prostate cancer patients with PSA failure. Presented at: American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; 2006 Jun 2; Atlanta, GA.
Background: After undergoing definitive treatment for a primary localized disease, prostate cancer patients may experience a rise in their prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. Treating PSA failure with hormonal treatment has many health related quality of life (HRQOL) implications, including urinary, bowel, sexual, and male hormonal problems. Predictors of choice between hormonal treatment versus watchful waiting have not been investigated. Methods: Patients were approached after consecutive rises in PSA levels (n = 31). Patients completed HRQOL and decision satisfaction questionnaires, and a literacy assessment. Results: Patients were between 56 and 85 years old; 55% were African American. 71% of African Americans and 50% of whites had low functional literacy. 58% of patients chose hormonal therapy to treat their PSA rise; 81% of patients reported urinary problems. All patients reported decision satisfaction. (see Table). Factors associated with castration versus watchful waiting were primarily related to poor urologic function, and were not specifically prostate cancer related (dysuria, nocturia, urination frequency). Conclusions: Primary treatment of urinary dysfunction, rather than castration, should be evaluated as initial therapy for prostate cancer patients with PSA failure.
