RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate factors influencing long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients treated for prostate cancer with no signs of tumor relapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included epidemiological and oncological data as well as standardized questionnaires on incontinence and sexual function. Data were analyzed using standard descriptive and explorative statistics. RESULTS: We obtained pre-therapeutic data as well as a complete data set after 36 months for 488 patients. A total of 162 patients (33.2%) in whom we could not exclude a tumor relapse according to the guidelines of the EAU or because of incomplete data were excluded from further analysis. In a univariate analysis as expected stress incontinence, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), overactive bladder (OAB), urgency, pad use, sexual activity as well as perceived pre-therapeutic HRQoL, being privately insured, and a better school education were significantly associated with post-therapeutic long-term HRQoL (p<0.05). In a multivariate analysis of covariance only dry OAB (p=0.0411) and sexual activity (p=0.0046) proved to be independent parameters with a significant impact on HRQoL after 36 months. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of OAB even without urine loss after successful treatment of prostate cancer need to be addressed in clinical practice as well as in research studies.
