Related Experiment Videos
Gross hematuria after prostate brachytherapy
Jerry Barker1, Kent Wallner, Gregory Merrick
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Urology
|February 25, 2003
Summary
Gross hematuria after prostate brachytherapy is common but usually resolves spontaneously within 24 months. Further investigation for other genitourinary cancers is reasonable if symptoms persist.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Prostate brachytherapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer.
- Postimplant gross hematuria can occur, but its clinical course is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the clinical course of postimplant gross hematuria after prostate brachytherapy.
- To identify factors associated with hematuria resolution.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 215 patients treated with prostate brachytherapy (palladium-103 or iodine-125) between 1998-2000.
- Patients completed self-reporting questionnaires for urinary symptoms.
- Dosimetric parameters were analyzed for correlation with hematuria.
Main Results:
- 13% of patients reported gross hematuria more than 1 week post-implant.
- Hematuria onset and duration varied widely; 88% resolved by 24 months.
- No correlation was found between hematuria and maximal or mean urethral dose.
Conclusions:
- Gross hematuria following prostate brachytherapy typically resolves spontaneously.
- While generally benign, a workup for other genitourinary malignancies is advisable in persistent cases.
- Further prospective studies are needed to establish definitive recommendations for management.