Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Establishment of a Robust and Reproducible Model of Radiation-Induced Skin and Muscle Fibrosis
Published on: August 31, 2022
Genitourinary Radiation Injury: A Mixed-methods Study Exploring Patient-reported Outcomes and Impact on Quality of
Lynn Leng1, Ankith Maremanda1, Kevin D Li2
1Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143.
Prostate cancer radiation therapy can cause long-term genitourinary injuries, impacting quality of life. Patients emphasize the need for clear counseling, support systems, and improved healthcare access to manage these effects.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Radiation Oncology
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Prostate cancer radiation therapy is a common treatment.
- Genitourinary radiation injuries can significantly impact patient quality of life.
- Long-term outcomes and patient experiences require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term outcomes of genitourinary radiation injuries after prostate cancer radiation therapy.
- To explore the lived experiences of patients with these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods study involving 20 patients treated between 2023-2025.
- Utilized International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and PROMIS Sexual Function (PROMIS SexFs) surveys.
- Conducted semi-structured interviews analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Common complications included incontinence (40%) and urethral stricture (30%).
- Patients reported moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and decreased sexual function/satisfaction.
- Thematic analysis revealed issues with healthcare access, counseling, physical/psychosocial changes, and support systems.
Conclusions:
- Genitourinary radiation injuries cause profound quality-of-life disruptions.
- Transparent counseling, robust support networks, and resilience are crucial for patients.
- Enhanced pre-treatment risk-benefit discussions and peer support are recommended.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System III: Percussion and Auscultation
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management
Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
