A ten year review on the management of prostate cancer in the department of radiotherapy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos (2001 – 2010)

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer has become a global health challenge because of its rising morbidity and mortality in males. The challenges related to its management are also enormous. Treatment outcome is however still a dilemma in developing countries such as ours because of late presentation, lack of infrastructure for treatment, poverty and low socio-economic status. Wide spread ignorance and neglect have contributed to late presentation resulting in poor treatment outcome.

Objectives: To review the management of prostate cancer in the Department of Radiotherapy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, between January 2001 to December 2010 in comparison to previous and recent studies globally.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of Prostate cancer cases seen at the Department of Radiotherapy, LUTH, from 2001 to 2010. Case files and treatment cards were retrieved through the medical record department and the information required was extracted with the aid of a data extraction form.

Results: A total of 144 cases were analysed. The age range was 41 to 81years with a mean of 66.19 ±7.30years. Adenocarcinoma was the commonest histological type with 98.6%. Fifty-one(35.4%) patients presented with stage IV disease and 18(12.5%) patients had a Gleason's score of 6. Frequent night urine (nocturia) was the commonest presentint complaints seen 50(34.7%) of patients. Ninetynine patients had surgery out of which 22(22.2%) had prostatectomy, 55(55.6%) bilateral orchidectomy and 20(20.2%) had both. Majority, 128(88.9%) patients were lost to follow up out of which 107(74.3%) patients were within the first 2 year of diagnosis.

Conclusion: The use of multimodality treatment was implemented but did not improve survival because majority of patients presented late. The need for a collaborative effort in the management of Prostate cancer cannot be overemphasized.

Keywords: Prostate cancer, adenocarcinoma, radiotherapy, late presentation