PURPOSE:

this study compared the radiation-related rectal (R) and bladder (B) toxicities in prostate carcinoma patients receiving additional pelvic lymph nodes (PLN) irradiation with those receiving prostate (P) and seminal vesicle (SV) irradiation only.

METHODS:

thirty-three patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were included. RT doses ranged between 60- 66.6 Gy to SV, 74-77.7 Gy to P and 50.4- 60 Gy to PLN. Max acute R toxicity was graded by a physician according to the RTOG side effect criteria during the period from the initiation of therapy until the end of the third month. Max late R and B toxicities were graded 3 months after the completion of RT by a physician using the RTOG GI and urogenital toxicity score and by patients using EORTC QLQ - PR25 self questionnaire separately. The effects of R and B doses and additional PLN irradiation on acute and late R and B toxicities and compatibility of patient- and physician-graded toxicity scores were investigated. RTOG GI and urogenital toxicity scores and EORTC QLQ - PR25 self questionnaire results were correlated.

RESULTS:

significant factors for acute R toxicity were: max R; R volume receiving ≥ 68 Gy; and PLN irradiation. PLN irradiation was marginally significant for late R toxicity; the mean B dose was a significant factor for late B toxicity.

CONCLUSION:

the results of this study suggest that although PLN irradiation increased acute R toxicity, it has no effect on late R and B toxicity. Patient- and physician-evaluated late R and B toxicity scores were concordant.