A Yoga Program for Patients Undergoing Prostate Cancer Surgery

Those who are treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa) often experience side effects including erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence (UI). The side effects of treatment often persist for years and can contribute to anxiety and depression. Yoga, which includes breath work, meditation, and physical poses, may be an effective intervention for treating side effects of RP. To facilitate uptake and maximize its effectiveness, the investigators are initiating the intervention prior to surgery (prehabilitation) and delivering it using a blended approach (i.e., in-person and online sessions).

The proposed intervention is innovative in several ways. First, it applies yoga to a relatively new patient population (men with PCa) and sets of outcomes (ED and UI). Second, the intervention is being tailored to the patient and delivered using a blended model. The first session is in-person and used to tailor the yoga poses according to a Veteran's comfort and ability. Subsequent sessions will take place online alongside ongoing patient cohorts. Third, the intervention includes a prehabilitation component that aims to further dampen the side effects of RP.

The long-term goal of this research is to optimize the QoL and patient experience for men with PCa. To that end, the investigators seek to assess the feasibility of an innovative blended (in-person and online) yoga program and to obtain preliminary data on its potential effectiveness in alleviating PCa treatment symptom burden. The specific aims are to: 1) determine the feasibility (including demand, safety and acceptability) of the intervention for men receiving a radical prostatectomy; and 2) obtain preliminary data to estimate the potential impact of the intervention on ED and UI (primary outcomes), well-being (e.g., cancer fatigue, stress, anxiety), and QoL. Methodology: For this pilot study, 34 Veterans who are undergoing a radical prostatectomy for PCa treatment will be randomized to either the intervention or standard of care. The intervention is a blended twice-weekly yoga program that includes a prehabilitation phase. ED and UI (primary outcomes) as well as mental health well-being (e.g. stress, anxiety), including QoL (secondary outcomes). Program uptake and attrition will be tracked and compared between groups. Baseline and follow-up data on outcomes will be collected via survey. Safety will be closely monitored. Veterans' experiences with and perceptions of the program will be assessed through a post-intervention survey.