Urethral toxicity after LDR brachytherapy: Experience in Japan

• Published in: Brachytherapy Vol. 14; no. 2; pp. 131 - 135
• Main Authors: Tanaka, Nobumichi, Asakawa, Isao, Hasegawa, Masatoshi, Fujimoto, Kiyohide
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-03-2015
• Subjects: Brachytherapy - adverse effects; Brachytherapy - methods; Cohort Studies; Genitourinary toxicity; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Incidence; J-POPS; Japan; LDR brachytherapy; Male; Prospective Studies; Prostate cancer; Prostatic Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Radiation Injuries - etiology; Radiology; Radiotherapy Dosage; Urethra - radiation effects; Urination Disorders - etiology; Japan; Genitourinary toxicity; J-POPS; LDR brachytherapy; Prostate cancer
• ISSN: 1538-4721; 1873-1449
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2014.09.009

Abstract Urinary toxicity is common after low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy, and the resolution of urinary toxicity is a concern. In particular, urinary frequency is the most common adverse event among the urinary toxicities. We have previously reported that approximately 70% of patients experience urinary frequency during the first 6 months after seed implantation. Most urinary adverse events were classified as Grade 1, and Grade 2 or higher adverse events were rare. The incidence of urinary retention was approximately 2–4%. A high International Prostate Symptom Score before seed implantation was an independent predictor of acute urinary toxicity of Grade 2 or higher. Several previous reports from the United States also supported this trend. In Japan, LDR brachytherapy was legally approved in 2003. A nationwide prospective cohort study entitled Japanese Prostate Cancer Outcome Study of Permanent Iodine-125 Seed Implantation was initiated in July 2005. It is an important issue to limit urinary toxicities in patients who undergo LDR brachytherapy.