Acute urinary morbidity during 3D conformal radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer

Summary 

Objective

To prospectively report the acute urinary symptoms associated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) during and after treatment of localised prostate cancer.

Patients and methods

22 consecutive patients receiving 3D-CRT were recruited into a single-arm prospective study.

Results

There is a significant transient acute rise in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) during 3D-CRT for treatment of localised prostate cancer with a corresponding deterioration in Quality of Life (QoL). Mean total IPSS rose in a progressive manner from 9.75 at baseline to a peak of 20.2 at the end of radiotherapy (week 7). The observed mean difference in total IPSS between baseline and week 7 of treatment was 10.45 (95% CI 6.3–14.6, p<0.0001). By 8 weeks following the end of treatment the IPSS had returned to pre-treatment levels.

Conclusion

This study proves that 3D-CRT for the treatment of prostate cancer is associated with a significant acute and transient rise in the total IPSS and QoL score. It is important that consent before radiotherapy should include a description of these symptoms.

Keywords: Prostate cancer, Radiotherapy, Urinary morbidity