The practical significance of using Canephron N medication for radiation cystitis prevention in patients undergoing radiation/chemoradiation therapy

Abstract

Background. With increasing life expectancy in cervical cancer patients, new medical and social problems associated with radiation therapy become apparent. The combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy is an important therapeutic component in treatment of malignant neoplasms of the genital area in women, but the frequency and severity of side effects has been increasing. Radiation complications occur in 20–50 % of patients. In 5 % of patients, they can represent a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. Prevention of negative effects on the genitourinary system in cervical cancer patients receiving radiation therapy on the pelvis is a matter of importance.Aim. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a phytotherapeutic preparation Canephron N containing centaury, lovage root, rosemary leaves in the prevention of radiation cystitis during chemoradiotherapy in patients with advanced cervical cancer.Materials and methods. The study included 60 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer receiving radical chemoradiotherapy. The patients were divided into 2 groups: treatment group consisting of patients receiving phytotherapeutic preparation Canephron N for prevention of radiation complications, and control group consisting of patients not receiving symptomatic treatment. The treatment results were evaluated using questionnaires, clinical, laboratory and instrumental studies. The obtained data were compared with the results of treatment of the control group which were not prescribed a medication for prevention of urological complications.Results and conclusion. The use of Canephron N in accompanying therapy had significantly decreased the risk and incidence of radiation cystitis.