The Side Effects of Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Side effects of radiotherapy for prostate cancer can alter the quality of life of a patient for many years after treatment. Typical problems men encounter include impotence and diarrhea. Other side effects include incontinence and painful urination. These post-radiotherapy difficulties are treatable and their severity is primarily based on the level of radiation used to treat the prostate cancer.

Significance

• Developing rectal cancer is a significant side effect some patients develop after undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer. The risk increases by 70 percent for patients who do not undergo the alternative surgery treatment. The increased risk of rectal cancer is more common in men who undergo high doses of radiation treatment. An increased risk of cancer in other parts of the colon is not significant, according to the American Cancer Society.

  Irritated bowel syndrome and diarrhea are common side effects from radiation therapy. Occasionally blood in the stool and rectal leakage begins during treatment. These side effects typically go away within two weeks after treatment ends; in rare cases additional treatment and surgery are required to solve the problem.

  Incontinence, blood in the urine and painful burning sensation during urination are additional common side effects as a result of radiotherapy. These three side effects may begin soon after treatment and the chance of developing them increases one to three years after treatment.

  Developing impotence from the treatment begins slowly and increases as a consequence of the radiotherapy during the first year. Most men undergoing this treatment suffer from this side effect during the first five years, while the others suffer from impotence after five years. The older the patient, the sooner impotence occurs after treatment.

Types

• Radiotherapy treatment is available in two different forms. The first one is external beam radiation which uses low or high doses of radiation similar to X-rays called intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The treatment is given in an outpatient setting five days a week for about eight weeks. Internal radiotherapy is the planting of tiny pellets such as iodine 125 and palladium 103 in the prostate gland. This treatment is provided using either high or low doses.

  The side effects from both external and internal radiation therapy are similar in nature and have the same long-term effects. The one difference between the two types is that the risk of developing rectal cancer is less with internal radiation treatment.

Facts

• Radiotherapy is the most common type of treatment for patients with prostate cancer. This type of treatment is not for every patient because of the side effects such as has a higher rate of impotence and increased risk of rectal cancer. Other treatment options exist and should be discussed with the doctor and oncologist prior to making a final treatment plan.

Considerations

• Developing side effects from cancer treatment are normal and every prostate cancer patient must be aware they will occur. Consulting with the doctor and oncologist treating the patient regarding what to expect and the signs of side effects is important. Often side effects can be minimized when detected in their early stages or coping strategies are developed in advance when the patient is fully informed what to expect.

Warning

• Following the designated treatment developed by the medical team is critical to increasing a patient's chance of surviving prostate cancer. Side effects can be debilitating at times and the patient must keep the medical team informed of their severity, when they develop, and the changes that occur over time.