Open AccessThe Importance of Supportive Care in Optimizing Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer
Author(s) -
Scotté Florian
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the oncologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.176
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1549-490X
pISSN - 1083-7159
DOI - 10.1634/theoncologist.2012-s1-23
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , prostate cancer , intensive care medicine , chemotherapy , physical therapy , androgen deprivation therapy , cancer , nursing
Optimal oncologic care of older men with prostate cancer, including effective prevention and management of the disease and treatment side effects (so‐called best supportive care measures) can prolong survival, improve quality of life, and reduce depressive symptoms. In addition, the proportion of treatment discontinuations can be reduced through early reporting and management of side effects. Pharmacologic care may be offered to manage the side effects of androgen‐deprivation therapy and chemotherapy, which may include hot flashes, febrile neutropenia, fatigue, and diarrhea. Nonpharmacologic care (e.g., physical exercise, acupuncture, relaxation) has also been shown to benefit patients. At the Georges Pompidou European Hospital, the Program of Optimization of Chemotherapy Administration has demonstrated that improved outpatient follow‐up by supportive care measures can reduce the occurrence of chemotherapy‐related side effects, reduce cancellations and modifications of treatment, reduce chemotherapy wastage, and reduce the length of stay in the outpatient unit. The importance of supportive care measures to optimize management and outcomes of older men with advanced prostate cancer should not be overlooked.