Fear Of Possible Side Effects Research Articles

4756 Background: Locally confined prostate cancer can be treated by various treatment options (radical prostatectomy [RP] or radiotherapy [RT]) with comparable results but different possible side effects. In 2001, we established the first interdisciplinary consulting service for prostate cancer patients in Germany. The aim is to offer a comprehensive and neutral consultation on all treatment options and to make treatment recommendations. Methods: Between 05/01 and 04/03, 362 pts. presented to the consulting service. 2 questionnaires were used. The first one contained epidemiological questions and questions covering information already available on the topic. It also examined fears about the disease / treatment options. The second one was given 2 weeks after the consultation to evaluate the treatment decision and determine the patient's satisfaction with the consultation. Results: 334 cases were assessable. All pts. had already obtained information about the disease / possible treatment options and wished to be involved in the decision-making process. Nearly all of them had a great fear of possible side effects. Such a comprehensive consultation is time-consuming (35 min.) but largely received a very positive assessment in that 66% found it helpful or very helpful. Pts. felt they had been completely informed in 92% of the cases. Only 10% had still failed to make a decision after 2 weeks. 115 pts. had stage T1c, PSA <10 ng/ml and Gleason ≤7. In these cases an equivalent recommendation for RP or RT was given. 43% decided on RP and 43% on RT. Only 16% remained undecided. The histological examination of RP specimens of the pts. who had decided on RP showed a decrease in the rate of extracapsular disease extension (≥T3) from 38 to 20% during the observation period. Conclusions: The change to more cooperation between the different specialities has made the process of deciding on an appropriate treatment much easier for the patient. The consultation enables better selection of individual treatment modalities and their possible side effects from the point of view of both the patients and the attending physicians. In this study, patients choose either RP or RT with equal frequency. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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