Practice Patterns Compared with Evidence-based Strategies for the Management of Androgen Deprivation Therapy–Induced Side Effects in Prostate Cancer Patients: Results of a European Web-based Survey

Background Evidence-based recommendations are available for the management of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)–induced side effects; however, there are no data on the implementation of the recommendations into daily practice patterns. Objective To compare practice patterns in the management of ADT-induced side effects with evidence-based strategies. Design, setting, and participants A European Web-based survey was conducted from January 16, 2015, to June 24, 2015. The 25-item questionnaire was designed with the aid of expert opinion and covered general respondent information, ADT preference per disease stage, patient communication on ADT-induced side effects, and strategies to mitigate side effects. All questions referred to patients with long-term ADT use. Reported practice patterns were compared with available evidence-based strategies. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Following data collection, descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Frequency distributions were compiled and compared using a generalised chi-square test. Results and limitations In total, 489 eligible respondents completed the survey. Luteinising hormone-releasing hormone-agonist with or without an antiandrogen was the preferred method of ADT in different settings. Patients were well informed about loss of libido (90%), hot flushes (85%), fatigue (67%), and osteoporosis (63%). An osteoporotic and metabolic risk assessment prior to commencing ADT was done by one-quarter of physicians. The majority (85%) took preventive measures and applied at least one evidence-based strategy. Exercise was recommended by three-quarters of physicians who advocate its positive effects; however, only 25% of physicians had access to exercise programmes. Although the minimum sample size was set at 400 participants, the current survey remains susceptible to volunteer and nonresponder bias. Conclusions Patients were well informed about several ADT-induced complications but uncommonly underwent an osteoporotic and metabolic risk assessment. Nevertheless, physicians partially provided evidence-based strategies for the management of the complications. Physicians often advised exercise to reduce ADT-induced side effects, but programmes were not widely available. Patient summary Implementation of evidence-based strategies for androgen deprivation therapy–induced side effects in real-life practice patterns should be improved.