Why carry out this study?

Medical androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for patients with advanced prostate cancer includes several gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor agonist or antagonist options; these options differ with respect to important attributes (e.g., mode of administration, side effects, impact on sexual interest, out-of-pocket cost).

Employing a discrete choice experiment, this study assessed patient preferences for different attributes of medical ADT and segmented respondents into distinct groups based on similar treatment preferences.

What was learned from this study?

Four preference groups, which differed in their demographic and clinical characteristics, were identified and named according to the attribute each group considered most important: Sexual interest, Cost-sensitive, Favors daily pill, and Favors injection.

The results of this study bring into focus the heterogeneity in the priorities and preferences of patients with advanced prostate cancer, and suggest that different groups of patients will generally prioritize factors related to administration, side effects, potential impact on sexual activity, or cost when choosing ADT treatment.

Shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients that includes discussing their individual preferences and expectations from treatment, as well as the benefits and risks associated with different ADT options, should be encouraged to ensure that patients receive the prostate cancer treatment that is best suited for their care and needs.