Quality of Life After Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer With a Hydrogel Spacer: 5-Year Results

Abstract

To evaluate quality of life changes up to 5years after prostate cancer radiation therapy (RT) with a hydrogel spacer. In the years 2010 to 2011, 114 patients received external beam radiation therapy to the prostate; 54 patients were selected for a hydrogel injection before the beginning of RT. Treatment was performed applying fractions of 2Gy up to a total dose of 76Gy (n=96) or 78Gy (n=18, all with hydrogel). Patients were surveyed before RT; at the last day of RT; and a median time of 2months, 17months, and 63months after RT using a validated questionnaire (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite). A mean score change of >5 points was defined as clinically relevant. For patients treated with a hydrogel spacer, mean bowel function and bother score changes of >5 points in comparison with baseline levels were found only at the end of RT (10-15 points; P<.01). No spacer patient reported moderate or big problems with his bowel habits overall. Mean bother score changes of 21 points at the end of RT, 8 points at 2months, 7 points at 17months, and 6 points at 63months after RT were found for patients treated without a spacer. A bowel bother score change >10 points was found in 6% versus 32% (P<.01) at 17months and in 5% versus 14% (P=.2) at 63months with versus without a spacer. The first 5-year quality of life results in a group of prostate cancer patients treated with a hydrogel spacer demonstrate excellent treatment tolerability, in particular regarding bowel problems. Further studies with dose-escalated or re-irradiation concepts can be encouraged.