Prostate Cancer with Bone Metastases: Addressing Chronic Pain from the Perspective of the Radiation Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

OBJECTIVES

To discuss the symptom burden experienced among patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases and the role of the oncology nurse practitioner in evaluation for palliative radiotherapy.

DATA SOURCES: These include PubMed, international consensus documents, and clinician experience.

CONCLUSION

Men with advanced prostate cancer may live for several years after diagnosis of bone metastases; however, pain and other difficult symptoms are problematic. Pain is effectively treated with palliative radiotherapy, but careful assessment and intervention of other difficult symptoms must be addressed over time.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurse practitioners in radiation oncology should be well-versed in the disease trajectory of this patient population. Careful symptom inquiry and comprehensive physical examination is a key responsibility. Palliative radiotherapy, alongside analgesics and supportive care measures, can effectively reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in men with prostate cancer metastatic to bone.