Radiotherapy in multiple fractions per day for prostatic carcinoma: late complications

The late complications associated with two different irradiation schedules with multiple fractions per day (MFD) used for the treatment of prostatic carcinoma are analyzed in 91 patients. There is a relatively high rate of side-effects with fifteen patients (16.5%) developing severe complications due to the radiotherapy. Complications are generally localized in the urinary system and consist mainly of chronic cystitis and incontinence, with only a few exclusive gastro-intestinal problems. The causative factor seems to be pronounced fibrosis of the normal pelvic tissues.