Six-Month Prostate Cancer Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Improves Urinary Function: A Randomized Trial.

Simple Summary: In this research, we explore the effectiveness of a unique home-based 6-month comprehensive program designed to empower prostate cancer patients during their treatment. The Prostate Cancer-Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) aims to enhance the quality of life for men undergoing curative treatment for prostate cancer, focusing on improving urologic function. Through a blend of physical activities, dietary education and recommendations, stress management, and social support, PC-PEP offers an innovative approach to patient care. This study rigorously assesses the impact of PC-PEP through a detailed 6-month comparison with standard care, evaluating its potential to significantly improve patient-reported outcomes. Our findings hold the promise of reshaping patient care strategies, presenting a potentially valuable addition to clinical practices for men battling prostate cancer, with the hope of improving not just their physical well-being but also their overall quality of life. Purpose: This is a secondary analysis examining a six-month home-based Prostate Cancer-Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) on patient-reported urinary, bowel, sexual, and hormonal function in men with curative prostate cancer (PC) against standard of care. Methods: In a crossover clinical trial, 128 men scheduled for PC surgery (n = 62) or radiotherapy with/without hormones (n = 66) were randomized to PC-PEP (n = 66) or waitlist-control and received the standard of care for 6 months, and then PC-PEP to the end of the year. PC-PEP included daily emails with video instructions, aerobic and strength training, dietary guidance, stress management, and social support, with an initial PFMT nurse consultation. Over 6 months, participants in the PC-PEP received optional text alerts (up to three times daily) reminding them to follow the PFMT video program, encompassing relaxation, quick-twitch, and endurance exercises; compliance was assessed weekly. Participants completed baseline, 6, and 12-month International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaires. Results: At 6 months, men in the PC-PEP reported improved urinary bother (IPSS, p = 0.004), continence (EPIC, p < 0.001), and irritation/obstruction function (p = 0.008) compared to controls, with sustained urinary continence benefits at 12 months (p = 0.002). Surgery patients in the waitlist-control group had 3.5 (95% CI: 1.2, 10, p = 0.024) times and 2.3 (95% CI: 0.82, 6.7, p = 0.11) times higher odds of moderate to severe urinary problems compared to PC-PEP at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Conclusions: PC-PEP significantly improves lower urinary tract symptoms, affirming its suitability for clinical integration alongside established mental health benefits in men with curative prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]