Pelvic radiotherapy toxicity perspectives
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient and caregiver perspectives regarding pelvic radiotherapy in prostate cancer: a qualitative study Participant-facing title: What do patients and caregivers think about pelvic radiotherapy in prostate cancer?
IRAS ID
359660
Contact name
Finbar Slevin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background:
There is increasing use of pelvic radiotherapy to treat prostate cancer. This might improve cancer-related outcomes but can be associated with negative impacts on quality of life, especially due to bowel and urinary toxicities (side effects). There is a need to better understand patient priorities and decision making regarding pelvic radiotherapy in prostate cancer as well as experience of toxicity and impact on quality of life, especially for people from under-served groups in this context.Study aim:
To explore patient and caregiver perspectives regarding pelvic radiotherapy in prostate cancer.Study design:
A qualitative study of patients who are: i) about to undergo or ii) previously treated with pelvic radiotherapy for prostate cancer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and their caregivers. Caregivers are the primary, unpaid, non-professional person providing the patient with emotional and practical support and can be a partner, family member or friend. We will recruit patients and their caregivers to undertake a single semi-structured qualitative interview. Individual interviews will be performed, unless interviews as a pair are specifically requested.Study sample:
Adult patients (≥18 years of age) with prostate cancer about to undergo pelvic radiotherapy or currently in follow up following previous pelvic radiotherapy. Caregivers are the primary, unpaid, non-professional person providing the patient with emotional and practical support and can be a partner, family member or friend.Study Outcomes:
Topics discussed during qualitative interviews will include priorities for treatment, how risks and benefits were considered and, for those previously treated, experience of pelvic radiotherapy toxicity and impact on quality of life. The results of this qualitative research will be useful in both clinical and research contexts. Greater understanding of patient and caregiver perspectives will inform research to reduce toxicity from pelvic radiotherapy as well as supporting decision making around treatment and the information and support provided to patients and their caregivers.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NE/0185
Date of REC Opinion
24 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion