From QOL to QALYs: Comparing nononcologic outcomes in prostate cancer survivors across treatments

Abstract

Objective: We aim to highlight the progression from the early definition of nononcologic outcomes in prostate cancer (PC) to measurement and use of preferences to ensure appropriate treatment decisions in men with localized disease.

Methods: We review the assessment of nononcologic outcomes after PC treatment and ways to use the outcomes to augment patient care.

Results: PC treatments may have similar oncologic efficacy in men with certain clinical features, but they differ in their nononcologic outcomes. Tools to assess these outcomes have been developed and are useful in areas from treatment reimbursement to shared decision-making.

Conclusions: The ability to measure and make useful data on nononcologic outcomes evolved substantially over the past 20 years. Current work suggests that individual preference assessment for nononcologic outcomes is a promising means of matching patients with appropriate treatment.

Keywords: Outcomes; Patient-centered outcomes research; Prostate cancer; Quality of life.