QUALITY-OF-LIFE - RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY VERSUS RADIATION-THERAPY FOR PROSTATE-CANCER

Purpose: The impact of radical prostatectomy and external beam radioth erapy on the quality of life of patients was compared. Materials and M ethods: A total of 136 patients underwent radical prostatectomy and 60 underwent external beam radiotherapy for clinically localized prostat e cancer. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire containing T he Functional Living Index: Cancer, the Profile of Moods States, and a series of questions evaluating bladder, bowel and sexual function. Re sults: The radical prostatectomy group had worse sexual function and u rinary incontinence, while the external beam radiotherapy group had wo rse bowel function. Of the patients 90% from both groups stated that t hey would undergo the treatment again. Conclusions: Radical prostatect omy and external beam radiotherapy have comparable impact upon quality of life.