Urinary Side Effects Research Articles

Image guided radiotherapy in curative treatment for prostate cancer. 5-year results from a randomized controlled trial (RIC-trial)

BackgroundBetween 2012 and 2015 we conducted a randomized controlled trial in prostate cancer patients comparing weekly 2-D portal imaging versus daily 3-D verification. AimTo evaluate the clinical outcomes of image guided radiotherapy by presenting rectal and urinary side effects, health related quality of life and progression free survival after 5-years follow up of a randomized controlled trial. MethodsWe randomized 260 men with intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer to weekly 2-D portal imaging with 15 mm margin from CTV to PTV (Arm A) or daily 3-D cone-beam computer tomography with 7 mm margins (Arm B). Prescribed doses were 78 Gy/39 fractions. All patients received hormonal therapy. Primary end point was patient reported bowel symptoms and secondary outcomes were patient reported urinary symptoms, health- related quality of life and progression free survival. ResultsOf the 216 patients available for analyses at 5 years more than 90 % completed patient reported outcome measures. There were no significant differences between study arms for any single items nor scales evaluating bowel symptoms. There were also no differences in self-reported urinary symptoms nor in health-related quality of life. Symptom scores were low in both study arms. Progression free survival was similar in Arm B as compared to arm A (Hazard ratio 1.01; 95 % CI 0.57 to 1.97). ConclusionsOur results support that both 2-D weekly and 3-D daily image guided radiotherapy are safe and efficient treatments for PC and emphasize the need to evaluate technological progress in clinical trials with long follow-up.

PEACE V—Salvage Treatment of OligoRecurrent nodal prostate cancer Metastases (STORM): Acute Toxicity of a Randomized Phase 2 Trial

BackgroundTreatment recommendations for patients with limited nodal recurrences are lacking, and different locoregional treatment approaches are currently being used. ObjectiveThe aim of this trial is to compare metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) with or without elective nodal pelvic radiotherapy (ENRT). Design, setting, and participantsPEACE V—Salvage Treatment of OligoRecurrent nodal prostate cancer Metastases (STORM) is an international, phase 2, open-label, randomized, superiority trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03569241). Patients diagnosed with positron emission tomography–detected pelvic nodal oligorecurrence (five or fewer nodes) following radical local treatment for prostate cancer were randomized in a 1:1 ratio between arm A (MDT and 6 mo of androgen deprivation therapy [ADT]) and arm B (ENRT [25 × 1.8 Gy] with MDT and 6 mo of ADT). Outcome measurements and statistical analysisWe report the secondary endpoint acute toxicity, defined as worst grade ≥2 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0 gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary (GU) toxicity within 3 mo of treatment. The chi-square test was used to compare toxicity between treatment arms. We also compare the quality of life (QoL) using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ C30 and PR25 questionnaires. Results and limitationsBetween June 2018 and April 2021, 196 patients were assigned randomly to MDT or ENRT. Ninety-seven of 99 patients allocated to MDT and 93 of 97 allocated to ENRT received per-protocol treatment. Worst acute GI toxicity proportions were as follows: grade ≥2 events in three (3%) in the MDT group versus four (4%) in the ENRT group (p = 0.11). Worst acute GU toxicity proportions were as follows: grade ≥2 events in eight (8%) in the MDT group versus 12 (13%) in the ENRT group (p = 0.95). We observed no significant difference between the study groups in the proportion of patients with a clinically significant QoL reduction from baseline for any subdomain score area. ConclusionsNo clinically meaningful differences were observed in worst grade ≥2 acute GI or GU toxicity or in QoL subdomains between MDT and ENRT. Patient summaryWe found no evidence of differential acute bowel or urinary side effects using metastasis-directed therapy and elective nodal radiotherapy for the treatment of patients with a pelvic lymph node recurrence.

Acute toxicity comparison of magnetic resonance-guided adaptive versus fiducial or computed tomography-guided non-adaptive prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy: Asystematic review and meta-analysis.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is gaining wider adoption for prostate cancer management but there remain significant toxicity risks when delivering prostate SBRT with standard techniques. Magnetic resonance-guided daily adaptive SBRT (MRg-A-SBRT) offers technological advantages in precision of radiation dose delivery, but the toxicity profile associated with MRg-A-SBRT compared to more standardly used fiducial or computed tomography-guided non-adaptive prostate SBRT (CT-SBRT) remains unknown. A meta-analysis to compare acute toxicity rates associated with MRg-A-SBRT and CT-SBRT for prostate cancer was performed in compliance with PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE (PubMed) and Google Scholar were searched for prospective studies of prostate SBRT that were published between January 1, 2018 and August 31, 2022. Random effects and fixed effects models were used to estimate pooled toxicity rates, and meta-regression was performed to compare toxicity between MRg-A-SBRT and CT-SBRT study groups. Twenty-nine prospective studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria and included a total of 2547 patients. The pooled estimates for acute grade 2 or higher (G2+) genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity for MRg-A-SBRT were 16% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10%-24%) and 4% (95% CI, 2%-7%) and for CT-SBRT they were 28% (95% CI, 23%-33%) and 9% (95% CI, 6%-12%), respectively. On meta-regression, the odds ratios for acute G2+ GU and GI toxicities comparing MRg-A-SBRT and CT-SBRT were 0.56 (95% CI, 0.33-0.97, p=.04) and 0.40 (95% CI, 0.17-0.96, p=.04), respectively. MRg-A-SBRT is associated with a significantly reduced risk of acute G2+ GU or GI toxicity compared to CT-SBRT. Longer follow-up will be needed to evaluate late toxicity and disease control outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging-guided daily adaptive prostate stereotactic radiation (MRg-A-SBRT) is a treatment that may allow for delivery of prostate radiation more precisely than other radiotherapy techniques, but it is unknown whether this reduces side effects compared to standardly used computed tomography-guided SBRT (CT-SBRT). In this systematic review and meta-analysis combining data from 29 clinical trials including 2547 patients, it was found that the risk of short-term urinary side effects was reduced by 44% and the risk of short-term bowel side effects was reduced by 60% with MRg-A-SBRT compared to CT-SBRT.

The effect of lower urinary tract substructure doses on side effects of cervical cancer image-guided adaptive brachytherapy.

Image-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy (IGABT) provides a survival advantage in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Although side effects are seen less with this technique, dose parameters that cause urinary side effects are still questionable. We aim to investigate whether the radiotherapy doses of the lower urinary tract substructures (LUSS) affect the urinary system side effects (USSE) of cervical cancer external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and the IGABT. LUSS (bladder, trigone, bladder neck, and urethra) doses were calculated in 40 patients diagnosed with LACC and receiving primary EBRT, IGABT, and concomitant chemotherapy. D0.1cc, D2cc, and D50% values were examined by contouring the bladder, trigone, bladder neck, and urethra from the intracavitary BT planning computed tomography (CT) images taken every 4 BT fractions, retrospectively. Besides, late USSE (urgency, dysuria (recurrent), frequency, obstruction, incontinence, hematuria, fistula, cystitis) were queried and categorized according to Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. The Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, Mann-Whitney U-test. For the whole study population, for both incontinence and dysuria, trigone (D50%), urethra (D50%, D0.1cc,), and bladder neck (D50%, D0.1cc, D2cc) volume and hot spot doses remained significant. For cystitis, urethra (D50%, D0.1cc,) and bladder neck doses (D0.1cc, D50%, D2cc) are worth investigating. Although USSE is less common in the intensity-modulated radiation therapy and IGABT era, it may be meaningful to take the doses of LUSS into account when planning IGABT. In addition, delineation of LUSS using only CT seems feasible. More proof is needed to determine delineation technique and dose constraints for LUSS for IGABT.

Narrative review-focal therapy: are we ready to change the prostate cancer treatment paradigm?

Prostate cancer (PCa) has seen improved detection methods with a subsequent rise in disease prevalence, making novel prostate cancer treatment options an exciting yet controversial topic. Current treatment modalities encompass traditional approaches, namely surgery (radical prostatectomy) and radiation therapy. While heralded as a standard of care, these modalities may come with significant risk profiles, primarily sexual (erectile dysfunction) and urinary incontinence. Advances in technology and imaging, specifically multi-parametric MRI, have afforded great leaps in targeted focal therapy as a primary treatment option for localized PCa. This review identifies and highlights published data for novel and emerging PCa focal therapy (FT) modalities. Our study identified and reviewed the current literature for relevant investigations related to primary FT modalities as they apply to the treatment of prostate cancer. After an internal review, relevant studies (published in English, between 2000-April 2022) were included for analysis and summarization. We provide a concise review of several novel focal therapy modalities that offer realistic potential for primary treatment of localized prostate cancer. Our narrative includes studies that primarily include their respective results, specifically focusing on those that reported both oncologic and quality-of-life outcomes after focal therapy. While still in its cumulative infancy, we discuss the current limitations, future directions, and advancements that hopefully push focal therapy into the limelight. While many of the mentioned focal therapies for PCa have shown promising pathologic and quality of life outcomes, further clinical evidence is required to change overall management guidelines and recommendations. The advantages of FT in avoiding sexual and urinary side-effects of radical surgery or radiation are apparent; however, it is necessary to recognize the need for further long-term evidence that is durable over time and comparable to current gold-standard treatment options.

Oncological and urinary outcomes following low-dose-rate brachytherapy with a median follow-up of 11.8 years.

To examine the long-term oncological outcomes and urological morbidity of low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy (LDRBT) monotherapy using live intraoperative dosimetry planning and an automated needle navigation delivery system for the treatment of men with low and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. A prospective database of 400 consecutive patients who underwent LDRBT between July 2003 and June 2015 was retrospectively reviewed to assess urinary side-effects and biochemical progression, based on the Phoenix definition and also a definition of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of ≥0.2 μg/L. Minimum patient follow-up was 5.5 years. The median follow-up of the entire cohort was 11.8 years. The median (range) PSA level was 6.1 (0.9-17) μg/L and the median Gleason score was 3 + 4. The biochemical relapse-free survival (RFS; freedom from biochemical recurrence) based on the Phoenix definition was 85.8% (343/400). The RFS using a 'surgical' definition of a PSA level of <0.2 μg/L was 71% (284/400). Of the 297 men followed for ≥10 years, prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS) was 98% (291/297). Post-LDRBT urethral stricture developed in 11 men (2.8%, 11/400). For men with ≥10 years of follow-up, 22 men (7.4%, 22/297) required a pad for either stress or urge urinary incontinence (UI). UI was identified in only 2.2% (one of 46) of men who had a bladder neck incision (BNI) before LDRBT. LDRBT is associated with excellent PCSS, with a median follow-up of 11.8 years. The risk of post-implantation urethral stricture and UI is low and a pre-implantation BNI for management of bladder outflow obstruction does not increase the risk of UI or urethral stricture.

Continuous liquid interface production of 3D printed drug-loaded spacers to improve prostate cancer brachytherapy treatment

Brachytherapy, which is the placement of radioactive seeds directly into tissue such as the prostate, is an important curative treatment for prostate cancer. By delivering a high dose of radiation from within the prostate gland, brachytherapy is an effective method of killing prostate cancer cells while limiting radiation dose to normal tissue. The main shortcomings of this treatment are: less efficacy against high grade tumor cells, acute urinary retention, and sub-acute urinary frequency and urgency. One strategy to improve brachytherapy is to incorporate therapeutics into brachytherapy. Drugs, such as docetaxel, can improve therapeutic efficacy, and dexamethasone is known to decrease urinary side effects. However, both therapeutics have high systemic side effects. To overcome this challenge, we hypothesized that we can incorporate therapeutics into the inert polymer spacers that are used to correctly space brachytherapy seeds during brachytherapy to enable local drug delivery. To accomplish this, we engineered 3D printed drug-loaded brachytherapy spacers using continuous liquid interface production (CLIP) with different surface patterns to control drug release. These devices have the same physical size as existing spacers, allowing them to easily replace commercial spacers. We examined these drug-loaded spacers using docetaxel and dexamethasone as model drugs in a murine model of prostate cancer. We found that drug-loaded spacers led to higher therapeutic efficacy for brachytherapy, and there was no discernable systemic toxicity from the drug-loaded spacers. Statement of significanceThere has been high interest in the application of 3D printing to engineer novel medical devices. However, such efforts have been limited by the lack of technologies that can fabricate devices suitable for real world medical applications. In this study, we demonstrate a unique application for 3D printing to enhance brachytherapy for cancer treatment. We engineered drug-loaded brachytherapy spacers that can be fabricated using Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) 3D printing, allowing tunable printing of drug-loaded devices, and implanted intraoperatively with brachytherapy seeds. In combined chemotherapy and brachytherapy we are able to achieve greater therapeutic efficacy through local drug delivery and without systemic toxicities. We believe our work will facilitate further investigation in medical applications of 3D printing.

Case series suggesting an association between sertraline and urinary side effects in a Sheffield child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) population

AimsTo suggest a link between sertraline and urinary side effects in a Sheffield Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service population.BackgroundEvidence suggests that Serotonin has an important role in bladder control through central and peripheral neurological pathways. Increased serotonergic activity leads to parasympathetic inhibition, which results in urine retention. It is through this mechanism of action and their effect on pre-synaptic serotonin 1A and peripheral 5-HT3 receptors that SSRIs were observed to have anti-enuretic effect. At low 5-HT concentrations, micturition is inhibited whereas at high levels, an excitatory effect is achieved. This may suggest a dose-dependent relationship between Sertraline and urinary side effects.MethodInclusion criteria:Under 18 years of ageOn SertralineReported urinary side effectsExclusion criteria:Above 18 yearsNot on SertralineAssociated urinary problemsDid not report urinary side effectsClinical records of eligible patients were accessed to gauge temporal relationship between initiation of sertraline and reported urinary side effects.ResultThree cases were identified in the authors’ clinical practice at Sheffield CAMHS that were suggestive of a link between sertraline and urinary side effects.ConclusionIt's important for clinicians to bear in mind the genitourinary side effects of SSRIs, which may be debilitating for patients in the CAMHS population. It's equally important for us as clinicians to educate young people and their parents about these potential side effects and how they can be managed. It has also been observed that higher doses of Sertraline have shown a possible link between onset of urinary side effects.

Urinary side effects of psychotropic drugs: A systematic review and metanalysis

To evaluate the effects of psychotropic drugs on bladder function. A systematic review was carried out by searching PubMed and Embase databases for randomized controlled trials enrolling patients treated with psychotropic drugs with available information on treatment-related urinary disorders. A total of 52 studies was selected. In antidepressant therapy, bladder voiding symptoms, rather than storage symptoms, were more frequently observed. Pooled analysis demonstrated a higher odds ratio (OR) of voiding disorders in comparison with placebo (OR: 3.30; confidence interval [CI]: 1.90-5.72; 7856 participants; p < 0.001). Odds for voiding dysfunction was higher for tricyclic antidepressants and for Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) when compared to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Treatment with antipsychotics was associated with heterogeneous urinary disorders including emptying and storage disorders. OR for incontinence in patients with dementia taking antipsychotics was higher than placebo (OR: 4.09; CI: 1.71-9.79, p = 0.002) with no difference between different atypical antipsychotics. Rate of voiding disorders was not different between conventional and atypical antipsychotics (OR: 1.64; CI: 0.79-3.39, p = 0.19), although quetiapine showed higher odds to cause voiding dysfunction than other atypical antipsychotics (OR: 2.14; CI: 1.41-3.26; p > 0.001). In patients taking tricyclic antidepressants or SNRIs, bladder voiding disorders, could be the side effects of therapy rather than symptoms of a urological disease. Patients treated with these drugs should be actively monitored for the appearance of urinary symptoms. Antipsychotic treatment is associated with various urinary side effects requiring a tailored approach.

Men\u2019s experiences of radiotherapy treatment for localized prostate cancer and its long-term treatment side effects: a longitudinal qualitative study

PurposeTo investigate men’s experiences of receiving external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) for localized prostate cancer (LPCa) in the ProtecT trial.MethodsA longitudinal qualitative interview study was embedded in the ProtecT RCT. Sixteen men with clinically LPCa who underwent EBRT in ProtecT were purposively sampled to include a range of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. They participated in serial in-depth qualitative interviews for up to 8 years post-treatment, exploring experiences of treatment and its side effects over time.ResultsMen experienced bowel, sexual, and urinary side effects, mostly in the short term but some persisted and were bothersome. Most men downplayed the impacts, voicing expectations of age-related decline, and normalizing these changes. There was some reticence to seek help, with men prioritizing their relationships and overall health and well-being over returning to pretreatment levels of function. Some unmet needs with regard to information about treatment schedules and side effects were reported, particularly among men with continuing functional symptoms.ConclusionsThese findings reinforce the importance of providing universal clear, concise, and timely information and supportive resources in the short term, and more targeted and detailed information and care in the longer term to maintain and improve treatment experiences for men undergoing EBRT.

Study to Enhance Understanding of Stent-Associated Symptoms: Rationale and Study Design.

Background: Ureteral stents are commonly employed after ureteroscopy to treat urinary stone disease, but the devices impose a substantial burden of stent-associated symptoms (SAS), including pain and urinary side effects. The NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) Urinary Stone Disease Research Network sought to develop greater understanding of SAS causes and severity among individuals treated ureteroscopically for ureteral or renal stones. Materials and Methods: We designed a prospective, observational cohort study comprising adolescents and adults undergoing ureteroscopic intervention for ureteral or renal stones. Participants will undergo detailed symptom assessment using validated questionnaires, a psychosocial assessment, and detailed collection of clinical and operative data. Quantitative sensory testing will be utilized to assess pain sensitization. In addition, a small cohort (∼40 individuals) will participate in semi-structured interviews to develop more granular information regarding their stent symptoms and experience. Biospecimens (blood and urine) will be collected for future research. Results: The Study to Enhance Understanding of sTent-associated Symptoms (STENTS) enrolled its first participant in March 2019 and completed nested qualitative cohort follow-up in August 2019. After a planned pause, enrollment for the main study cohort resumed in September 2019 and is expected to be completed in 2021. Conclusion: STENTS is expected to provide important insights into the mechanisms and risk factors for severe ureteral SAS after ureteroscopy. These insights will generate future investigations to mitigate the burden of SAS among individuals with urinary stone disease.

The Effect of Lower Urinary Tract Sub-Structure Doses on Side Effects of Cervical Cancer Radiotherapy

Our aim is to determine the effects of the doses of the lower urinary tract sub-structures such as trigone, bladder neck and urethra on urinary system side effects(USSE) in cervical cancer radiotherapy and if there is a correlation with sub-structure doses and ICRU38 bladder point(BP), bladder D0.1cc and D2cc values. Functional sub-structures of the lower urinary tract doses were calculated in 40 patients diagnosed with cervical carcinoma (stage Ib1 to IVa) without bladder invasion and receiving primary ERT and brachytherapy (BRT) from December 2015 to April 2017. D0.1cc, D2cc and D50 values were examined by contouring the bladder, trigone, bladder neck and urethra from the tomography images taken for the BRT planning of 40 patients for every 4 fractions, retrospectively. In patients, USSE (urgency, dysuria (recurrent), urinary frequency, urinary obstruction, urinary incontinence, hematuria, fistula) were learned by follow-up notes and telephone calling on median 44th month follow-up. The side effects were rated by CTCAE v5.0. In the analyzes, p≤0.05 value was considered significant, and p≤0.1 value was considered as the trend of significance. The relationship between presence of USSE and sub-structure doses (BED values calculated with alpha / beta = 3, ERT + BRT (total = T) or only BRT(B) doses) were evaluated in patients. In our analysis, trigone D50 (T)(cut off: 80 Gy) and bladder neck D50 (B) (cut off: 9) doses were significantly associated with incontinence; Urethra D50 (T) (cut off: 53.4) , bladder neck D0.1cc (B) (cut off: 15,4), urethra D0.1cc (B) (cut off: 9,5) and D50 (B) (cut off: 7) doses were found to have a trend of significance on incontinence (The Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, where appropriate, were performed according to their mean or median values as a cut off). When we analyze only in 27 patients alive no evidence of disease; urethra D0.1cc (T) (cut off: 60) and D50 (T) (cut off: 58) doses were significantly associated with recurrent dysuria; urethra D50 (B) (cut off: 7) doses tend to be associated with incontinence. No significant correlation was found between the previously defined ICRU38 BP, bladder D0.1cc and D2cc doses with incontinence and dysuria. In Spearman correlation analysis, there was no correlation between bladder doses and sub-structure doses, while ICRU38 BP doses and trigone D50, bladder neck D50, urethra D50 and D2cc were found to be correlated. The dose of bladder D0.1cc and D2cc, which is well defined in the literature, is usually found in the bladder dome, but it is thought that the side effects of lower urinary system may also be related with more caudal subunits. Therefore, determining the appropriate threshold values by contouring important functional sub-structures such as trigone, urethra and bladder neck may have a clinical significance in reducing urinary side effects.

PT308 - Long-term urinary side effects of salvage radiotherapy

PT308 - Long-term urinary side effects of salvage radiotherapy

Sertraline induced urinary retention : A case report

SSRI is widely used because of its low side effect profile and better tolerability than the older antidepressants. Urinary side effects are uncommon with SSRI as they lack anticholinergic effects. We present a case of young female, who in her postpartum period, developed urinary retention on tab sertraline. Extensive evaluation was done to rule out gynaecological, neurological and urological conditions. She was successfully treated and maintained on tab fluoxetine. Thus, it is suggested that clinicians should be cautioned about potential urinary problems associated with sertraline. Timely detection and management maintains compliance to the medication, helps in recovery from the illness and improves quality of life.

Development of a prediction model for late urinary incontinence, hematuria, pain and voiding frequency among irradiated prostate cancer patients.

Background and purposeIncontinence, hematuria, voiding frequency and pain during voiding are possible side effects of radiotherapy among patients treated for prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to develop multivariable NTCP models for these side effects.Material and methodsThis prospective cohort study was composed of 243 patients with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer (stage T1-3). Genito-urinary (GU) toxicity was assessed using a standardized follow-up program. The GU toxicity endpoints were scored using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 (CTCAE 3.0) scoring system. The full bladder and different anatomical subregions within the bladder were delineated. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression analysis was used to analyze dose volume effects on the four individual endpoints.ResultsIn the univariable analysis, urinary incontinence was significantly associated with dose distributions in the trigone (V55-V75, mean). Hematuria was significantly associated with the bladder wall dose (V40-V75, mean), bladder dose (V70-V75), cardiovascular disease and anticoagulants use. Pain during urinating was associated with the dose to the trigone (V50-V75, mean) and with trans transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). In the final multivariable model urinary incontinence was associated with the mean dose of the trigone. Hematuria was associated with bladder wall dose (V75) and cardiovascular disease, while pain during urinating was associated with trigone dose (V75) and TURP. No significant associations were found for increase in voiding frequency.ConclusionsRadiation-induced urinary side effects are associated with dose distributions to different organs as risk. Given the dose effect relationships found, decreasing the dose to the trigone and bladder wall may reduce the incidence of incontinence, pain during voiding and hematuria, respectively.

Impact of prostate cancer diagnosis and type of treatment on the health-related quality of life and urological dysfunction at 3 years: A case-control study.

e17084Background: Former studies showed a time-dependent worsening of sexual or urinary long term side effects following surgery or radiotherapy that affected prostate cancer (PCa) patients’ health...

The impact of prostate cancer diagnosis on the quality of life at 3 years: A case control study.

67 Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men. Former studies showed a time-dependent worsening of sexual or urinary long term side effects following surgery or radiotherapy that affected patients’ quality of life (QoL). These studies could not discriminate between age-related and treatment-related symptoms, as patients were their own controls. We conducted a case-control study evaluating at 3 years QoL and physical/psychological dysfunctions, whereas patients were on watchful waiting or received a treatment. Methods: We used data from the EPICAP population-based case-control carried out by INSERM and including 1700 participants. Eligible cases were men &lt; 75 years old newly diagnosed with PCa in 2012-2014 living in the Hérault geographic area. Controls were men of the same age recruited in the general population of the same area. Participants answered a QoL questionnaire 3 years after intervention. Primary objective was to compare the impact of diagnosis or/and treatments on QoL as measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30 score. Secondary objective was to compare the impact of diagnosis or/and treatments on urinary dysfunctions (IPSS, ICS), sexual dysfunctions (IEEF-5), anxiety (HADS), and occupational integration. We also assessed these QoL parameters depending on the treatment that was received. Results: Median age was 67.9 years old in the cases and 68.4 years old in the control. At 3 years, 376 cases and 352 controls had sent back their questionnaires. Treatments were: RP (258), RT (90), focal therapy (52), hormone therapy (26) and watchful waiting (61) at the time of the study. The results show no difference between cases and controls for the global QoL score. Other parameters are being assessed and will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: Though prostate cancer cases and population-based controls showed similar global QoL at 3 years after diagnosis, the large EPICAP study will provide a comprehensive framework to go further in the understanding of PCa sequelae and give some hints on the balance between benefit and risk of PSA testing. This study will be the first to evaluate the different types of sequelae as a function of treatments and the occupational integration for patients &lt; 65 years old.

Patient Reported Comparative Effectiveness of Contemporary Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Versus External Beam Radiation Therapy of the Mid 1990s for Localized Prostate Cancer

IntroductionLittle is known about differences in patient reported outcomes between contemporary external beam radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer that delivers higher doses of conformal radiation and older techniques. We examined sexual, urinary and bowel function between men undergoing contemporary intensity modulated radiation therapy vs those undergoing external beam radiation therapy in the mid 1990s. MethodsSubjects were selected from 2 large population based prospective cohort studies. Main outcomes were between-group differences in adjusted mean scores at 6 and 12 months. Secondary analyses examined odds ratios comparing groups reporting a clinically significant decline in function. ResultsThe cohort consisted of 943 men, 467 diagnosed in 2011 to 2012 and 476 diagnosed in 1994 to 1995. Men undergoing contemporary intensity modulated radiation therapy reported better bowel function at 6 months (mean difference 4.3 points, 95% CI 1.6–7.0) but not at 12 months. Patients receiving contemporary intensity modulated radiation therapy reported statistically worse but probably not clinically meaningful different urinary function at 12 months (2.7, 0.5 to 4.8 points), and no difference at 6 months. No differences in sexual function at 6 or 12 months were found. Secondary analyses demonstrated lower odds of reporting clinically meaningful declines in bowel function at 6 and 12 months and sexual function at 12 months for contemporary intensity modulated radiation therapy. However, patients receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy had higher odds of reporting clinically meaningful declines in urinary continence at 12 months. ConclusionsDespite the delivery of higher doses of radiation, men treated with contemporary intensity modulated radiation therapy reported fewer gastrointestinal and possibly fewer sexual side effects than those treated with external beam radiation therapy in the mid 1990s. However, delivery of dose escalated intensity modulated radiation therapy may cause more urinary side effects.

Association of bladder dose with late urinary side effects in cervical cancer high-dose-rate brachytherapy

PurposeThe purpose of this work was to study the association between specific urinary sequelae and locally accumulated dose to the bladder wall and bladder neck in the treatment of cervical cancer with multifraction high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Methods and MaterialsA cohort of 60 cervical cancer patients, treated with both external beam and five HDR brachytherapy insertions between 2008 and 2014 at the BC Cancer Agency, was identified. The accumulated dose received over five brachytherapy sessions was evaluated for the bladder wall and bladder neck of each patient using dosimetric parameters calculated from deformably registered image data sets. These parameters were examined as potential predictors of urinary sequelae including hematuria, frequency, urgency, incontinence, stream, nocturia, and dysuria. Two different dichotomization schemes were evaluated for grouping patients into Case and Control groups. The two-sample Student's t test was used for normally distributed samples and the Mann–Whitney nonparametric U test for non-normal distributions. ResultsA strong association between dose to the bladder neck and incontinence was found (p = 0.001). A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was also observed between urgency and certain bladder-wall parameters. ConclusionsLocalized dose to the bladder neck is a potential predictor of urinary incontinence, whereas weaker associations were observed between urgency and some bladder-wall parameters.

Fiduciels intraprostatiques dans le cadre de la radiothérapie stéréotaxique du cancer de la prostate

PurposeImage-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer is widely used in radiotherapy departments. Intraprostatic gold fiducial markers are used to visualize prostate position and motion before and during treatment. The aim of this report is to describe our experience of implanting intraprostatic fiducial markers under local anesthesia before hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for prostate cancer and to assess its tolerance and reproducibility. Patients and methodsOver a 6 and a half year period, 226 patients with prostate cancer received a stereotactic radiotherapy using the CyberKnife® system (Accuray) in our institution. Eighteen patients were treated for recurrence after prostatectomy; these patients were excluded from the study. Among the 208 remaining patients, 94 patients (45.2%) received stereotactic radiotherapy as a boost after external beam radiotherapy (three fractions of 6Gy); 36 patients (17.3%) were had a re-irradiation (six fractions of 6Gy) and 78 patients (37.5%) had a exclusive stereotactic radiotherapy (68 patients received five fractions of 7.25Gy and 11 patients five fractions of 6.25Gy). Four markers were implanted in all patients using transrectal ultrasound; the procedure was performed under local anesthesia, using transperineal access. The four fiducial markers were implanted in two strands with two fiducial each one, 1cm apart. In order to follow the recommendations of the image-guided radiotherapy system, the two strands of the two markers were located on the same plane in the middle of the prostate, at least 2cm apart from the midline. After insertion, correct positioning of fiducials markers was verified by X-ray. Dosimetry scanning was performed after the implantation procedure; prostate position tracking was possible before and during treatment through the kilovoltage incorporated system of the robotic accelerator. Clinical data, X-ray verification and dosimetry scanner have been retrospectively reviewed for all patients. ResultsThe tolerance to procedure was excellent; only four patients (1.8%) described pain related to implant. No urinary side effects were reported. Median time from fiducial implantation to dosimetry scanner was 16 days (4–113 days). Four fiducials were found within the prostate at dosimetry scanner in 181 patients and three in 27 remaining patients. All intraprostatic fiducials were used to track the prostate gland before and during treatment. ConclusionsIntraprostatic fiducial markers implantation is a safe and reproducible procedure that allows us to have reliable prostate information before and during stereotactic radiotherapy.