Profiles and Time Course of Acute Radiation Toxicity Symptoms during Conformal Radiotherapy for Cancer of the Prostate

Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy of Pelvic Lymph Nodes in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: Planning Procedures and Early Experiences

“…For example, according to Gallagher et al, less than 78 cm 3 of the small intestine should receive more than 45 Gy, and less than 17 cm 3 should receive 50 Gy (22). The acute adverse effect outcome of the present IMRT series (28% of both Grade 2 GI and GU adverse effects) compare well with our previous CRT experience using the same prescription dose level, in which 40% of the CRT patients had acute Grade 2 GI and 35% had acute Grade 2 GU adverse effects (6,24). Also the late adverse effect rates observed at the first follow-up consultations after treatment seem reasonable, in particular for the GI effects.…”

Time patterns of changes in biomarkers, symptoms and histopathology during pelvic radiotherapy

“…Biopsy grading of inflammation showed a maximum at the first examination 2 weeks after start of RT (Figure 2). In keeping with previous studies [13,23], symptoms were most pronounced towards the end of RT (Figure 1). Biochemical indicators of inflammatory reactions were examined, and stool concentrations of lactoferrin seems to be the best marker of acute radiation proctitis in this patient group (Table III, Figure 5).…”

“…The 12 questions related to GI symptoms were applied from the validated QUFW94 questionnaire [12]. Nine questions in our previously used questionnaire [13] overlapped with the 12 selected questions from QUFW94, with the difference that the questions concerning fecal incontinence and blood on stool were graded 0Á10 in QUFW94, and ''yes/no'' in our questionnaire. The discrepancies in the remaining questions concerned abdominal pain, mucous on stool, use of diapers and if the patient needed to defecate during nighttime.…”

“…The discrepancies in the remaining questions concerned abdominal pain, mucous on stool, use of diapers and if the patient needed to defecate during nighttime. Five items (about problems with loose stools, cramps when passing stools, abdominal pain, problems with excessive gas or nausea) were summarized to a Total Symptom Score (TSS) as previously described [13].…”

“…Questionnaires for symptom scores, diet and smoking GI symptoms were recorded by the physician in accordance with the patient's choice while presented to a selection of grading in numbers from 0 Á10; ''0'' meaning no problem with the item in question, ''10'' meaning severe problems [12,13]. The 12 questions related to GI symptoms were applied from the validated QUFW94 questionnaire [12].…”