Management of the complications of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy

Abstract

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy are common treatment modalities for newly diagnosed prostate cancer. What complications can patients and physicians expect following these therapies? How are these conditions diagnosed and treated? In this article, we examine several of the most common acute and delayed complications of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. In addition, we discuss appropriate follow-up diagnostics for these patients and our suggestions for management of the main complications that may develop.

Internal radiotherapy techniques using radiolanthanide praseodymium-142: a review of production routes, brachytherapy, unsealed source therapy

“…Internal radiotherapy using 142 Pr (Table 3) Interstitial brachytherapy By Brachytherapy, a high radiation dose can be delivered locally to the tumor with rapid dose fall-off in the surrounding normal tissue [31][32][33][34][35]. This involves placing implants in the form of seeds, wires or pellets directly into the tumor.…”

Revisión crítica del uso de radiación como tratamiento inicial del cáncer de próstata localizado

“…Esta modalidad abarca más campos y usa mayores dosis en la zona del tumor, exponiendo mayores volúmenes de tejido normal a dosis bajas de radiación. Tanto la RT conformada como la IMRT presentan, además del riesgo aumentado de segundos tumores anteriormente mencionado, un mayor riesgo de complicaciones graves, que aunque poco frecuentes (cistopatía y rectitis rádicas, atrapamiento ureteral, dermatitis), en ocasiones precisarán de medidas agresivas, como la cistectomía paliativa o la derivación intestinal 21 .…”