Bladder and Rectal Toxicity of BeamCath® Application in Radiotherapy of Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Background: Patient-reported toxicity in two radiotherapy regimens for early stage prostate cancer was investigated. In 2003, the Swedish BeamCath® technique was adapted for Northern Norway. Materials and Methods: Ninety men underwent radiotherapy for early-stage prostate cancer in February 2002 to March 2005. They were invited to participate in a telephone interview employing a questionnaire guide focusing on bladder, intestinal and sexual function. Results: Eighty patients responded, which represents 89% of all patients. The treatment group (23 patients) had received 76 Gy with the BeamCath® technique and the control group (57 patients) received 70 Gy employing a conformal technique. The BeamCath® technique was associated with a lower median rectal (p=0.004; 50.6 Gy versus 56.2 Gy) and bladder dose (p=0.017; 48.5 Gy versus 61.5 Gy). There were no differences in scores on masculinity and sexual function. In conclusion, the BeamCath® technique did not increase rectal or bladder toxicity.