Quality of life research in prostate and testicular cancer

摘要

Health related quality of life research is contributing substantially to the management of prostate and testicular cancer, but in different ways. Both diseases have good prognoses, but their trajectories and affected age groups differ greatly. In early stage prostate cancer, there are many different treatment options to choose between and their relative benefits and harms are unclear. Here, health related quality of life research is providing comparative information about functioning, symptoms, wellbeing and preferences to help inform choice. In advanced prostate cancer, the big questions are about whether and when to have various treatments, rather than about the choices between them. Here, health related quality of life research is focused on determining net effects of treatment by measuring benefits in cancer related symptoms, harms from treatment toxicity and allowing these to be considered alongside modest effects on survival. In testicular cancer, the effects of treatment on survival are substantial and options are fewer. Here, health related quality of life research is focused on minimising the effects of disease and treatment on short and long-term health related quality of life by screening, improving supportive care and modifying treatments.