Treatment Outcomes and Quality-of-Life Issues for Patients Treated With Prostate Brachytherapy

Abstract

The increasing popularity of brachytherapy for treatment of early-stage prostate cancer requires oncology nurses to have a comprehensive knowledge of the disease, its treatment, and management of side effects. Because quality-of-life (QOL) issues have become an important consideration in treatment selection for many patients, oncology nurses must have a thorough understanding of these QOL issues and their management. Armed with knowledge about prostate brachytherapy and its effect on QOL, oncology nurses can offer accurate information and evidence-based symptom management techniques to patients undergoing brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

Symptoms and self-care strategies during and six months after radiotherapy for prostate cancer – Scoping the perspectives of patients, professionals and literature

“…The literature also described these symptoms as common but also showed significant variations among patients in terms of dysuria, hematuria, frequency, urgency, hesitancy, inability to empty the bladder, weak stream, and nocturia (Chen et al, 2012;McCaughan et al, 2013;Abel et al, 2003;Tsui et al, 2005). In another study the main problems identified were bruising, swelling and urinary retention (Kelsey et al, 2004).…”

Developing a High-Dose-Rate Prostate Brachytherapy Program

“…The symptoms vary significantly from patient to patient and may persist for as long as two years after treatment (Abel, Dafoe-Lambie, Butler, & Merrick, 2003). Comprehensive nursing management for patients before, during, and after the procedure is necessary to achieve high-quality outcomes and patient satisfaction (Colella & Scrofine, 2004).…”

Factors Affecting Patient Selection for Prostate Brachytherapy: What Nurses Should Know

“…Tamsulosin hydrochloride is the drug of choice because it is an alpha 1-blocker that does not affect blood pressure and can be dose-escalated safely. Urinary retention always is addressed at diagnosis because urinary obstructive symptoms are experienced as side effects postbrachytherapy (Abel, Dafoe-Lambie, Butler, & Merrick, 2003).…”