Quality of life during treatment with chemotherapy and hormonal therapy

This study aimed to compare quality of life between patients with metastatic prostate cancer who were treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and docetaxel and those who were treated with ADT alone. This study found that ADT and docetaxel was associated with statistically worse QOL at 3 months. However, QOL was better at 12 months for ADT and docetaxel patients than for ADT patients. 

A main treatment option for prostate cancer is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). This blocks the male hormones, such as testosterone, responsible for cancer growth. Docetaxel is a chemotherapy drug which can be used to increase overall survival for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Using both ADT and docetaxel improves overall survival as compared with ADT alone.

It is unclear if the quality of life (QOL) differs between patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer who were treated with ADT and docetaxel and those who were treated with ADT alone.

In this study, 790 patients were randomly assigned to either treatment option. Quality of life was evaluated at the start of the study and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. This included questionnaires evaluating tiredness, depression and ability to carry out activities of daily living.

ADT and docetaxel patients reported a significant decline in QOL at 3 months but at 12 months reported a better QOL than those on ADT alone. Pain reports were similar at 12 months. Both cohorts of patients reported a similar minimally changed QOL over time.

This study found that ADT and docetaxel was associated with statistically worse QOL at 3 months, but improved QOL after 12 months compared to ADT alone patients. 

Quality of life is very subjective and can vary between age group of patients and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes.