Metastatic castrate‐resistant prostate cancer: a discussion of the physical and psychosocial effects

Management options for metastatic castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) have increased in recent years resulting in more men living for longer with the disease. The implications for patients and health care services are considered through an examination of the literature in relation to the physical and psychosocial effects of mCRPC and its treatment, looking at quality of life (QoL) and service delivery implications. QoL in advanced prostate cancer has been well documented in the literature but studies involving those with mCRPC are sparse. There is a lack of evidence regarding psychological distress and effective psychological interventions for men with mCRPC. There is a need for research to understand the impact of new treatments on QoL of men and their partners, to establish effective psychological interventions for men with mCRPC and to quantify the increased demand for services with prolonged survival. The purpose of this discussion paper is to examine the physical and psychosocial effects of both disease and treatment, alongside QoL issues and consideration of the implications for service delivery.