Facing life-prolonging treatment: The perspectives of men with advanced metastatic prostate cancer – An interview study. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doveson, Sandra; Holm, Maja; Axelsson, Lena; Fransson, Per; Wennman-Larsen, Agneta
• Is Part Of: European journal of oncology nursing. Volume 49(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Nurse-patient relations -- Nursing -- Oncology nursing -- Palliative care -- Patient-centered care -- Prostatic neoplasms -- Castration-resistant -- Quality of life -- Therapeutics; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Research -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Periodicals; Oncology Nursing -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- nursing -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Soins infirmiers -- Périodiques; Cancer -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Cancérologie -- Périodiques; Verpleegkunde; Kanker; Cancer -- Nursing; Cancer -- Research; Oncology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9940231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101859
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-3889

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: Several life-prolonging treatment options have recently become available for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, research regarding patient experiences while undergoing these treatments is scarce. The aim was to explore the perspectives of men when facing life-prolonging treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 men as they were starting, undergoing or had completed their first life-prolonging treatment. Interpretive description was used for analysis. Results: The results illuminate the complexity of facing life-prolonging treatment, with interlaced dimensions beyond just the outcome, and where the men described other dimensions of their lives in relation to the treatment. The results are presented as 4 themes; Considering treatment when the remainder of life is at stake, Preparing for the life-prolonging treatment after deciding to go through with it, Considering the prospect of the life-prolonging treatment not being successful and Reflecting on death and dying in the light of a life-limiting illness. Conclusions: The quality and content of the remainder of life are central for men when facing life-prolonging treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This is important when weighing desired treatment outcomes against side effects, and when reflecting upon whether going through with treatment would be worth it or not. The results illuminate the importance of encouraging men at this stage to express expectations, hopes and fears regarding the treatment and the future when considering life-prolonging treatments. Nurses working with these patients are important in the decision-making process and in evaluating treatments, to detect needs for interventions. Highlights: Quality and content of the remainder of life are central when facing mCRPC treatments. Weighing outcomes against side effects is key when considering the worth of treatment. Encouraging men with mCRPC to voice their expectations, hopes and fears is important.