Measuring hot flashes in men treated with hormone ablation therapy: an unmet need.

Hot flashes are a common problem in men who undergo orchiectomy or treatment with androgen ablation therapy for prostate cancer. The analysis of this symptom has relied on the use of subjective tools such as patient diaries, but such approaches have been associated with problems in validity and reliability. Although developed to measure the impact of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors, the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scales (HFRDIS) exhibited high internal consistency and validity; its use should be considered in men who experience hot flashes. Additional reliable tools are needed to subjectively and objectively evaluate the impact of hot flashes in patients who receive androgen suppression therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]