Frequency and Risk Factors of Inappropriate Bladder Filling in Patients Irradiated for High-risk Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Many patients with high-risk prostate cancer receive normo-fractionated irradiation. Previously, high-risk cancer and pre-treatment bladder volumes <200 ml were associated with inappropriate bladder filling during the radiotherapy course. A prospective trial will investigate the value of an app reminding patients to drink water before each radiotherapy session. This study provides information regarding magnitude of inappropriate bladder filling and risk factors required for the prospective trial.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

In 23 patients with high-risk prostate cancer and inappropriate pre-treatment bladder filling, mean and median numbers of radiation fractions with bladder volumes less than 200 ml and potential risk factors were retrospectively investigated.

RESULTS

Mean and median numbers of fractions with volumes less than 200 ml were 29.2±6.6 and 32.0 (interquartile range=24.0-35.0) of 35 fractions. Higher numbers were significantly associated with a lower performance score (p <0.029).

CONCLUSION

Bladder filling was inappropriate during most radiotherapy fractions and, therefore, must be considered a significant problem. Our results are relevant for a subsequent prospective trial.