scholarly journals Effects of a Brief E-Learning Resource on Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs of Healthcare Professionals Working in Prostate Cancer Care: A Pilot Study

Author(s):  
Eilís M. McCaughan ◽  
Carrie Flannagan ◽  
Kader Parahoo ◽  
Sharon L. Bingham ◽  
Nuala Brady ◽  
...  

Sexual issues and treatment side effects are not routinely discussed with men receiving treatment for prostate cancer, and support to address these concerns is not consistent across settings. This study evaluates a brief e-learning resource designed to improve sexual wellbeing support and examine its effects on healthcare professionals’ sexual attitudes and beliefs. Healthcare professionals (n = 44) completed an online questionnaire at baseline which included a modified 12-item sexual attitudes and beliefs survey (SABS). Follow-up questionnaires were completed immediately after the e-learning and at 4 weeks. Data were analysed using one-way, repeat measures ANOVAs to assess change in attitudes and beliefs over time. Significant improvements were observed at follow-up for a number of survey statements including ‘knowledge and understanding’, ‘confidence in discussing sexual wellbeing’ and the extent to which participants felt ‘equipped with the language to initiate conversations’. The resource was seen as concise, relevant to practice and as providing useful information on potential side effects of treatment. In brief, e-learning has potential to address barriers to sexual wellbeing communication and promote delivery of support for prostate cancer survivors. Practical methods and resources should be included with these interventions to support implementation of learning and long-term changes in clinical behaviour.

Author(s):  
Eilis M. McCaughan ◽  
Carrie Flannagan ◽  
Kader Parahoo ◽  
Sharon L. Bingham ◽  
Nuala Brady ◽  
...  

Sexual issues and treatment side effects are not routinely discussed with men receiving treatment for prostate cancer and support to address these concerns is not consistent across settings. This study evaluates a brief e-learning resource designed to improve sexual wellbeing support and examine its effects on healthcare professionals’ sexual attitudes and beliefs. Healthcare professionals (n=44) completed an online questionnaire at baseline which included a modified 12-item sexual attitudes and beliefs survey (SABS). Follow-up questionnaires were completed immediately after the e-learning and at 4 weeks. Data were analysed using one-way, repeat measures ANOVAs to assess change in attitudes and beliefs over time. Significant improvements were observed at follow-up for a number of survey statements including ‘knowledge and understanding’, ‘confidence in discussing sexual wellbeing’ and the extent to which participants felt ‘equipped with the language to initiate conversations’. The resource was seen as concise, relevant to practice, and as providing useful information on potential side effects of treatment. Brief, e-learning has potential to address barriers to sexual wellbeing communication and promote delivery of support for prostate cancer survivors. Practical methods and resources should be included with these interventions to support implementation of learning and long-term changes in clinical behaviour.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. e551-e551
Author(s):  
Jure Murgic ◽  
Blanka Jaksic ◽  
Ivan Kruljac ◽  
Marin Prpic ◽  
Mirjana Budanec ◽  
...  

e551 Background: Data on hypofractionated radiotherapy in definitive treatment of prostate cancer are maturing; however, limited information is available for hypofractionated radiotherapy after prostatectomy. We aimed to compare hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated radiotherapy in salvage setting for biochemically recurrent prostate cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 106 patients with proven PSA recurrence treated to the prostate bed. Patients were non-randomly, in a alternating fashion, subjected to either 52.5 Gy in 20 fractions of 2.625 Gy over 4 weeks (N = 57, hypofractionated group) or 66 Gy in 33 fractions of 2 Gy over 6.5 weeks (N = 49, conventionally fractionated group). There was no statistically significant difference in pathologic T-stage and Gleason score distribution between the groups. In the conventionally fractionated group there were more patients with positive margins (p = 0.01), more prevalent concomitant hormonal therapy (50.9% vs 61.2%, p = 0.001), but less long-term hormonal therapy (21.4% vs 81%, p < 0.001), compared to hypofractionated group. Median follow-up was 20 months (range 6-36 months). Failure (PSA nadir+0.2) rates between the groups were compared using Cox proportional hazards model. Radiation-related side-effects were assessed using RTOG scoring scale. Results: At this early point, 13 patients (22.8%), and 6 patients (12.2%) experienced treatment failure in the hypofractionated group and conventionally fractionated group, respectively (HR 3.1, 95%CI (1.5-6.3)). More late grade 2 gastrointestinal and genitourinary side-effects were observed in conventionally fractionated group (4.1% vs 1.8%, and 2% vs 0%, p = 0.01, respectively). No grade 3 toxicities were observed. Conclusions: More initial biochemical failures were observed in hypofractionated group compared to conventionally fractionated group. However, baseline heterogeneity between the groups and short follow-up preclude any causal observation of differential efficacy between these two schedules. Randomized phase II trial is planned to prospectively compare these two regimens.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 170-170
Author(s):  
Jaclyn Lee Fong Bosco ◽  
Barbara Halpenny ◽  
Donna Lynn Berry

170 Background: Men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (LPC) can choose from multiple treatment regimens and are faced with a decision in which medical factors and personal preferences are important. The Personal Patient Profile-Prostate (P3P) is a computerized decision aid for men with LPC that focuses on personal preferences. We determined the proportion of men with LPC who chose a concordant treatment approach by 6-months with self-reported, influential side effects by intervention or control group, and evaluated whether the intervention (versus control) group was more likely to choose a concordant treatment. Methods: English or Spanish-speaking men diagnosed with LPC (2007–2009) from four US cities were enrolled into a randomized trial and followed at 1- and 6-months via mailed or online questionnaire. Men were randomized to receive the P3P intervention or standard education plus links to reputable websites (control group). We classified concordance as men who were (a) concerned with urinary incontinence and/or erectile dysfunction and chose radiotherapy, (b) concerned with bowel dysfunction and chose prostatectomy, (c) concerned with all three side effects and chose watchful waiting, or (d) not concerned with any side effect and chose any treatment. We calculated the proportion of concordance by group. Using logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between the P3P intervention and concordance. Results: Of 448 men, most were <65 years, non-Hispanic white, and had multiple physician consultations prior to study enrollment. Only 43% of the sample chose a concordant treatment given concerns about potential side effects. There was no significant difference in concordance between the intervention (43%) and control (42%) group (OR=1.1; 95%CI=0.73, 1.7). Conclusions: The P3P intervention was not associated with concordance between potential side effects and treatment choice. Information and/or physician consultation immediately after diagnosis was likely to influence decisions despite concerns about side effects. The intervention may be more effective before the first treatment options consultation.


Author(s):  
Matthias Moll ◽  
Andreas Renner ◽  
Christian Kirisits ◽  
Christopher Paschen ◽  
Alexandru Zaharie ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose This study’s objective was the comparison of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and I‑125 seed brachytherapy regarding clinical outcome and development of side effects. Patients and methods In all, 462 localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients treated between 2000 and 2019 at our department using either I‑125 seed brachytherapy or EBRT with a dose of 74 or 78 Gy were included: 297 patients were treated with EBRT and 165 with seeds. Biochemical no evidence of disease (bNED) rates according to Phoenix definition as well as late gastrointestinal and urogenital side effects (EORTC/RTOG) were assessed. Results Patients were followed up yearly with a median follow-up of 54 (3–192) months. Observed bNED rates for 74 Gy, 78 Gy and seeds were 87, 92, and 88% after 5 years and 71, 85, and 76% after 9 years, respectively. No significant differences were found comparing seeds with 74 Gy (p = 0.81) and 78 Gy (p = 0.19), as well as between 74 and 78 Gy (p = 0.32). Concerning gastrointestinal side effects, EBRT showed significantly higher rates of RTOG grade ≥ 2 toxicity compared to seeds, but at no point of the follow-up more than 10% of all patients. However, genitourinary side effects were significantly more prevalent in patients treated with seeds, with 33% RTOG grade ≥ 2 toxicity 12 months after treatment. Nevertheless, both types of side effects decreased over time. Conclusion Favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients can be treated either by external beam radiotherapy (74/78 Gy) or permanent interstitial seed brachytherapy.


2007 ◽  
Vol 177 (4S) ◽  
pp. 587-587
Author(s):  
Lutz Trojan ◽  
Katrin Harrer ◽  
Jörg Schäfer ◽  
Martin Voẞ ◽  
Christian Bolenz ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 243-243
Author(s):  
Erik Wibowo ◽  
Lauren M Walker ◽  
Shawn Wilyman ◽  
Andrew Matthew ◽  
Deborah L McLeod ◽  
...  

243 Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is commonly prescribed for advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients, but ADT has many side effects that can impair patients’ quality of life. In various Canadian cities, we are running an educational program to help PCa patients and their partners deal with the side effects of ADT, and maintain a strong relationship with each other while on ADT. Methods: Patients, who are about to start or have been on ADT, and their partners are invited to attend an educational program. Each patient is given a copy of the book Androgen Deprivation Therapy: An essential guide for men with prostate cancer and their partners (Wassersug et al., 2014) and attends a 1.5 hour educational class, where they learn strategies for managing ADT side effects and how to effectively make healthier lifestyle changes using goal-setting exercises. At the end of the class, participants are given the option to attend a monthly follow-up session. To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, participants are asked to complete questionnaire package before attending the class and again 2-3 months later. Results: As of August 2015, 179 patients and 113 partners have attended the ADT Educational Program at Victoria, Vancouver, and Calgary. About 40% of patients returned for the follow-up session. 62 attendees participated in the research evaluation portion of the program. Uniquely designed for this study, the questionnaire package assesses ADT side effect frequency, bother associated with side effects, use of management strategies, and self-efficacy regarding side effect management. An assessment of physical activity and relationship adjustment, and feedback about the class are also included. Conclusions: Patients and partners appreciate being informed about ADT side effects managements and how to make healthier lifestyle changes while on ADT. It remains to be seen how effective the program is in limiting the bother from ADT side effects and helping couples maintain a strong dyadic relationship in the fact of the challenges brought on by ADT. Good enrollment in the in-person program in the 3 cities has propelled the development of the program in Halifax and Toronto starting in fall 2015, and an online version to be available in early 2016.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 615-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Ramudo-Cela ◽  
Jesús Balea-Filgueiras ◽  
José Ramón Vizoso-Hermida ◽  
Isabel Martín-Herranz

Abiraterone acetate is a potent and irreversible inhibitor of cytochrome p450 17A1 that suppresses androgen synthesis. It is approved for chemotherapy-naive and docetaxel-treated patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. We describe the protocol for use of abiraterone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer chemotherapy naive patients has been implanted in our centre and we review the cases of those patients whose adverse effects have forced the discontinuation of treatment. The side effects fit the safety profile of abiraterone, speed of their appearance and severity indicate that you should perform a thorough follow-up of these patients especially in the early phases of treatment.


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