Assessment of complications of combined modality radiotherapy in patients with prostate cancer using conventionally and non-conventionally fractionated doses

The study analysed the toxicity of combinatorial radiation therapy (RT) involving conventionally and non-conventionally fractionated conformal external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). Conventionally fractionated RT induced acute grade 1 reactions of the lower urinary tracts (UT) in 66 (25.4%) patients and acute grade 2 reactions of the lower UT in three (1.2%) patients; acute grade 1 reactions of the lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in 35 (13.5%) and acute grade 2 reactions of the lower GIT in 5 (1.9%) patients. Late radiation-induced lower UT complications of the grade 1 were in 29 patients (11.1%) and grade 2 complications occurred in 6 patients (2.3%). Three (1.2%) patients developed the urethral stricture. Late radiation-induced lower GIT complications of the grade 1 occured in 13 patients (5%) and 8 patients (3.1%) developed complications of the grade 2. Hypofractionated RT induced acute grade 1 reactions of the lower UT in 11 (26.2%), acute grade 2 reactions of the lower UT in 2 (4.8%) and acute grade 1 reactions of the lower GIT in 10 (23.8%) patients, acute grade 2 reactions of the lower GIT occurred in 1 patient (2.38%). Late radiation-induced lower UT complications of the grade 1 occurred in 5 patients (11.9%). No late radiotherapy - related lower GIT complications were developed. The results of the study demonstrate quite acceptable level of toxicity, that allows ensuring the sustainability of well-being of prostate cancer survivors.