Opinion
Video
Explaining Study Results to Your Patients
Author(s):
A panelist discusses how they would communicate these comparative study results to patients by explaining that both enzalutamide and darolutamide effectively control metastatic prostate cancer when added to hormone therapy while emphasizing that darolutamide may cause fewer central nervous system adverse effects like fatigue and cognitive changes, helping patients understand the potential benefits and tradeoffs to make a treatment decision that best fits their individual situation and preferences.
Summary for Physicians: Communicating Study Results to Patients
When discussing these androgen receptor pathway inhibitor study results with patients:
- Explain that both medications (enzalutamide and darolutamide) significantly delay cancer progression when added to standard hormone therapy.
- Use plain language to describe how these medications work by blocking cancer cells’ ability to use testosterone.
- Frame the benefit in concrete terms: “This may give you additional months or potentially years before your cancer grows or spreads further.”
- Discuss adverse effects honestly, noting the differences between medications (particularly that darolutamide may cause fewer brain-related adverse effects).
- Acknowledge that individual responses vary, and regular monitoring will be important.
- Present treatment as a shared decision, considering the patient’s values, lifestyle, and priorities.
When discussing treatment options, focus on how these medications fit into their complete care plan rather than just presenting statistical outcomes. Consider using simple visual aids to illustrate benefits and risks in a way that respects the patient’s health literacy level.
