Radiation therapy negatively impacts quality of life and physical well-being in patients with prostate cancer

Main Category: Prostate / Prostate Cancer
Article Date: 27 Jul 2005 - 5:00 PDT

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This study evaluates the relationship between quality of life, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbances in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoing radiation therapy.

Forty participants receiving seven to eight weeks of radiation therapy completed several quality of life scales during and postradiation therapy.

Data indicate a significant decline in patients' bladder and bowel function and physical well-being during and upon completing therapy.

Higher fatigue scores were associated with poorer quality of life and physical well-being. Investigators conclude that patients undergoing radiation therapy should expect a decline in quality of life and physical well-being, increased fatigue, as well as transiently worsening bladder and bowel problems.

Understanding the negative impact of radiation therapy on quality of life will allow the development of rehabilitation interventions to minimize or negate it.

Radiation therapy negatively impacts quality of life and physical well-being in patients with prostate cancer, pg. 391

About the Journal JRRD (Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development) has been a leading research journal in the field of rehabilitation medicine and technology for more than 40 years. JRRD, a peer-reviewed, scientifically indexed journal, publishes original research papers, review articles, as well as clinical and technical commentary from U.S. and international researchers on all rehabilitation research disciplines. JRRD's mission is to responsibly evaluate and disseminate scientific research findings impacting the rehabilitative healthcare community. For more information about JRRD, visit http://www.vard.org.

The current issue of the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD) includes articles that focus on interpersonal aspects of stroke rehabilitation, depression following stroke, stress and spinal cord injury, detection and treatment of diabetic ulcers, and sensory and communication evaluation tools. Full-text articles are available, free, online at http://www.vard.org.

Judith LaVoie
judith@vard.org
410-962-1800 x229
VA Research Communications Service

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