Opioid prescriptions have increased in Germany in recent years. The usage of transdermal therapeutic systems has substantially driven this growth. The analysis was based on claims data of a German statutory health insurance (2001-2003). Statistical analysis applied univariate comparisons (exploratively only) as well as a multivariate logistic regression models. Patients in the transdermal group were older and the percentage of women was higher than in the oral group. Patients in the transdermal group received their opioids significantly more often from a GP. They had significantly less prescriptions for laxatives and antidepressants. The patients in both groups differed significantly with regard to a number of characteristics. The results indicate that GPs prefer transdermal opioids if prescribing strong-acting opioids.
The PREFERE study is a multicenter randomized study of patients with low or early intermediate risk for prostatic cancer. The four treatment options, radical prostatectomy, percutaneous irradiation therapy, permanent seed implantation and active surveillance recommended by the German S3 guidelines and international guidelines will be tested and compared with respect to effectiveness and potential side effects. Over a period of 4 years a total of 7,600 patients are to be recruited and assigned to 1 of these 4 therapy forms according to personal preference (by possible exclusion of 1 or 2 therapy options) in a 2-4 arm study design by randomization.
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