944P - Comparative Evaluation of Radiation-Induced Damages in Prostate Cancer Patients after Intratissue Radiation Therapy Using I-125 Seeds and External Beam Radiation Therapy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare complications of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy for prostate cancer. Materials and methods We performed a comparative evaluation of radiation-induced damages of the small pelvis organs in 46 patients with prostate cancer. The first group consisted of 24 patients who received EBRT to a total tumor dose of 65-72 Gy. In the second group (22 patients), standard brachytherapy procedures were carried out. Results The patients were distributed according to the type of radiation-induced complications (Table 1). Table 1 Distribution of patients according to the type of radiation-induced complications. Group No. Cystitis Bladder ulcer Rectitis Rectal ulcer Combined damages (rectitis, rectal ulcer) Group 1 (24) 8 (33.3%) 2 (8.3%) 7 (29.2%) 3 (12.5%) 4 (16.7%) Group 2 (22) 4 (18.2%) 0 13 (59%) 2 (9.1%) 3 (13.7%) Thus, the rate of rectal complications was higher in the brachytherapy group compared with the EBRT group. Radiation cystitis occurred more frequently in patients with bladder lesions of group 1. It is worth noting that the severity of radiation-induced damage appeared to be more marked in group 2. Radiation-induced strictures of the posterior urethra were detected in 2 (8.3%) patients of group 1 and in 5 (22.7%) patients of group 2. More serious complications associated with functional disturbances of organs (microcystitis, rectovesical fistula, rectal stricture) occurred only in patients who had undergone external beam radiation therapy. Conclusions Our study suggests that radiation-induced damages of the rectum and posterior urethra occur more often after brachytherapy. EBRT can result in radiation cystitis. It should be pointed out that EBRT can produce more severe lesions of the pelvic organs including complications associated with physical disability. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.