A pooled long-term follow-up after radiotherapy for prostate cancer with and without a rectal hydrogel spacer: impact of hydrogel on decline in sexual quality of life.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of prostate rectal spacers on sexual quality of life (QOL) following external beam radiation therapy (RT).

Methods and materials

Patient- reported QOL was evaluated using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC). Patients were pooled from two sources: a randomized controlled trial and a non-randomized cohort of patients from a single institution. Both cohorts used the same spacing product and QOL instrument. Analysis was limited to those with good baseline pre-treatment sexual QOL (EPIC >/= 60). Differences in QOL summary score and individual items were assessed compared with baseline and between treatment arms.

Results

A total of 128 men had good baseline sexual function and were evaluated (64% wi

SUBMITTER: Seymour ZA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10599244 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature