Bladder Volume <200 ml During a Course of Moderate Hypofractionated Irradiation in Patients With Localized Prostate...

Hypo-fractionated radiotherapy (HF-RT) is gaining popularity in prostate cancer treatment. HF-RT can lead to cystitis, particularly in cases with small bladder volumes. This study evaluated the bladder volume during a course of moderate HF-RT. This knowledge is required for the protocol of a prospective trial.

Seventy-six patients receiving HF-RT (20×3.0 Gy) for prostate cancer were retrospectively evaluated. The number of HF-RT sessions with a bladder volume <200 ml and corresponding risk factors were investigated.

Mean and median numbers of sessions with a bladder volume <200 ml were 13.4 (±6.7) and 16.0 (interquartile range=8.0-19.0), respectively. Higher numbers of radiotherapy sessions with a bladder volume <200 ml were associated with a pre-radiotherapy volume <200 ml (p<0.001). Mean numbers of sessions with a bladder volume <200 ml were 16.0 (±5.5) in patients with a pre-radiotherapy bladder volume <200 ml and 7.9 (±5.9) in patients with a bladder volume ≥200 ml, respectively.

Bladder volume was <200 ml during many HF-RT sessions. Patients with a pre-radiotherapy bladder volume <200 ml may benefit from an app reminding them to drink water before their HF-RT sessions.