Urinary toxicity after high dose intensity modulated radiotherapy as primary therapy for prostate cancer☆

Abstract 

Background and purpose

Urinary toxicity plays a major role in the quality of life (QOL) of patients treated with external beam radiotherapy as primary therapy for prostate cancer.

In this study we report on:

(1) Incidence of acute and late GU toxicity after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer at Ghent University Hospital (GUH).

(2) Time evolution of pre-IMRT and IMRT-induced acute and late GU toxicity.

Materials and methods

At GUH, 260 patients with a follow-up of ⩾12months were treated with IMRT for prostate cancer. The incidence and evolution of GU toxicity were recorded.

Results

Acute grades 3, 2 and 1 GU toxicity occurred in 8%, 42% and 42% of the patients, respectively. Late grades 3, 2 and 1 GU toxicity occurred in 3%, 19% and 40% of the patients, respectively.

During therapy baseline grade 1 symptoms increased into grade 2 acute GU toxicity in 48%. After 1 and 2years, 60% and 70% of the patients, respectively, had less GU symptoms when compared to the pre-treatment status.

Conclusion

IMRT induces mild GU toxicity. There is an improvement in pre-IMRT obstructive miction disorders.

Keywords: Prostate, IMRT, Genito-urinary toxicity, Evolution