ADT impacts mood of patients with prostate cancer, as perceived by partners

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Androgen deprivation therapy negative impacts the mood of patients with prostate cancer and those negative effects are concurrently observed by their partners, according to a new study published online ahead of print in the journal Psycho-Oncology.

For the study, researchers from Mount Allison University in Sackville, Canada, and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, sought to assess the relationship between androgen deprivation therapy and the mood of patients with prostate cancer and their partners.

Researchers enrolled 295 patients and 84 partners. Participants completed an online survey evaluating the patients' current mood and mood prior to therapy, relationship adjustment, and sexual function. Results were compared with that of men who received non-hormonal treatments. Results showed that 82 patients currently treated with androgen deprivation therapy reported worsened mood compared with the 213 not on hormonal therapy. Researchers found that the 42 partners of patients on hormonal therapy reported declines in the patient's mood, but to a greater extent that the patient.

"The psychological changes related to ADT can impact relationships and affect the quality of life of both PCa patients and partners," the authors conclude. "Patients and their partners are likely to benefit from being well informed about the psychological effects of androgen deprivation on men beginning ADT."