Treatment Options and Survival of Metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients
Abstract
Sixteen percent of men who have prostate cancer are diagnosed with cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Although the percent of men who live longer than 5 years with prostate cancer is close to 100%, only 30% of men who are diagnosed with cancer that has spread outside of the prostate live longer than 5 years. There has been an increase in the number of men who are diagnosed with cancer that has spread outside of the prostate. Because of this, treatments that promote longer survival and good quality of life are needed. There is currently no agreement between doctors and organizations on how best to treat prostate cancer that has spread outside the prostate. Hormone or chemotherapy is usually the main course of treatment. Some studies have suggested that a definitive treatment such as surgery or radiation, in addition to the non-definitive treatments such as hormone or chemotherapy, may prolong survival and improve quality of life. The Veterans Affairs (VA) prostate cancer cohort is an ideal study sample to address these questions. A better understanding of the effect of definitive vs. non-definitive treatment on overall and prostate cancer survival requires transdisciplinary teams and a comprehensive clinical dataset with a diverse population. Results from this study are critical to develop educational materials, treatment decision aids, and implementation studies that build on the lessons learned from this study and other research studies. Drawing from this population-based study and previous clinical studies, the next phase of implementation has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer that spreads beyond the prostate and improve the quality of life for survivors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 16, 2019
- Source ID
- W81XWH1910214
Entities
People
- Bettina F. Drake
Organizations
- United States Army
- Washington University in St. Louis