[Normal tissue radiation toxicity in radiotherapy of localized prostatic cancer]

Radical radiotherapy of prostate cancer has to balance tumour control against the risk of radiation injury of normal tissue. The normal tissue toxicity is the main dose-limiting factor, and consequently a limiting factor of the curative potential of prostate cancer by irradiation. The SOMA scale is a new toxicity scoring system that registers late side effects from the most important anatomical sites. The SOMA scale is internationally approved and facilitates a standardised evaluation of radiation toxicity. The scoring system is based on four main components: subjective, objective, management and analysis. The SOMA scoring system was applied to a group of 21 patients from Ullevaal Hospital who were given intentionally curative radiation therapy for localised prostate cancer. The SOMA scale scoring system appears to be a valuable tool in the evaluation of normal tissue toxicity. It may contribute to a new standard in quality assurance of radiation therapy of prostate cancer.