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

Background and purposeUrinary 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 methodsAt GUH, 260 patients with a follow-up of ⩾12 months were treated with IMRT for prostate cancer. The incidence and evolution of GU toxicity were recorded.ResultsAcute 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 2 years, 60% and 70% of the patients, respectively, had less GU symptoms when compared to the pre-treatment status.ConclusionIMRT induces mild GU toxicity. There is an improvement in pre-IMRT obstructive miction disorders.