Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2006 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition).
Vol 24, No 18S (June 20 Supplement), 2006: 14505
© 2006 American Society of Clinical Oncology

This Article Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Moyad, M. A. Articles by Kirk, T. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Moyad, M. A. Articles by Kirk, T. A.

Abstract

National study of patients, caregivers and physicians reveals pain associated with advanced prostate cancer as the primary concern

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Us TOO International, Downers Grove, IL

14505

Background: Over 50,000 men developed hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) in 2005 (CancerMetrics 2005). The objective of this study is to compare attitudes of patients, caregivers and physicians on the effects of advancing disease on patients. Methods: Respondents indicated attitudes towards 18 PC symptoms. Responses were analyzed by a division of Yankelovich. Grant funding from Abbott.Us TOO International conducted an online survey of HRPC patients, caregivers, and physicians in 2005. Patients and caregivers were recruited from NexCura’s database of users of the Treatment Profiler Options Tool for PC and links from PC websites (UsTOO, PCRI, PCF and PAACT). Board certified physicians who treat HRPC were recruited by J. Reckner & Associates. Respondents indicated their attitudes towards 18 symptoms of advancing PC. Responses were analyzed by TSC, a division of Yankelovich. Results: 409 HRPC patients (P), 236 caregivers (C), and 204 physicians (MD) (100 urologists/104 oncologists) participated in the study. Mean patient age was 65.7 and age at diagnosis was 60.2. Patients were identified as non-metastatic (M0) or metastatic (M+). 46% of patients were M+; 60% of caregivers are caring for M+ patients. 51% of M+ patients and 74% of M+ caregivers’ patients experienced bone pain. The most common symptom concerns were bone pain, other pain and mental changes. Conclusions: Over half of the M+ patients experienced bone pain related to PC in this survey. Once HRPC becomes M+, bone pain significantly affects the quality of life of patients and caregivers. It is the highest rated concern of patients, caregivers and physicians. Bone pain significantly alters the lives of those with advancing HRPC. New options are needed for patients with advancing PC.