Hot Flashes among Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Psychosocial and Quality of Life Issues

Abstract : Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is increasingly prescribed to patients with prostate cancer and brings with it an array of adverse effects. Hot flashes are a common side effect of ADT and are believed to be qualitatively similar to hot flashes among women receiving treatment for breast cancer. Currently no assessment protocols exist for objective assessments of hot flashes in prostate cancer patients, making it difficult to evaluate outcomes in clinical trials, educate clinicians and patients, or develop management and treatment strategies. This project will provide basic clinical epidemiological data concerning the nature, prevalence, and correlates of hot flashes among prostate patients receiving ADT, document the negative effects of hot flashes on sleep, fatigue, and quality of life, and compare the accuracy of alternative means of assessing hot flashes. The overarching goal is to not only understand the nature and importance of hot flashes, but to develop methodological standards for the assessment of hot flashes suitable to diverse applications. Results will have implications for the education of oncologists with respect to quality of life issues in prostate cancer, set standards for future research and clinical endeavors, and suggest directions for patient-oriented research to improve the wellbeing of prostate cancer patients.