Quality of life of men with prostate cancer when bilateral orchiectomy is indicated

• Grant number: 12/51432-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2013
• End date: August 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Alexandre Crippa Sant'Anna
• Grantee: Alexandre Crippa Sant'Anna
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most recurrent type of cancer among men, after nonmelanoma skin cancer. In 2012, the estimates have shown 60.180 new cases among Brazilians (INCA, 2012). Bilateral Orchiectomy is a method of surgical castration indicated as a hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer and it aims to improve the patient's quality of life. The focus is to inhibit the hormones which are responsible for cell growth and it has significant collateral effects (Silva et al, 2010) This procedure may develop modifications in the quality of sexual intimacy and in perception of masculinity by patient (Tofani & Vaz, 2007). Objective: To investigate the quality of life of men with prostate cancer before and after surgical therapy: bilateral orchiectomy. Also, to identify the principal doubts and issues about the disease and the recommended treatment. Method: This is a prospective study which will be carried out with all prostate cancer patients with indication for bilateral orchiectomy, who are regulars at the Uro-oncology ambulatory, in the period comprised between August of 2012 and August of 2014 and who have signed the Free Consent Term (TCLE). Patients who present cognitive deficit, evaluated by means of the Mental State Mini-Exam (MEEM), will be excluded. The research will have two phases; the first, at the moment when surgery is indicated and the second, in the period of two months after orchiectomy has been performed. Therefore, the following tools will be utilized: TCLE Free Consent Term, MEEM Mental State Mini Exam, Semi-Driven Interview, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Whoqol-bref e Whoqol-old. (AU)