[Second neoplasms after percutaneous radiotherapy]

Abstract

Radiation therapy represents an alternative treatment to radical prostatectomy in the management of clinically localized prostate cancer. Radiation-induced second neoplasms are defined by a latency period of at least 5 years, location within the field of radiation therapy, and a histology which differs from the primary tumor. Based on the data in the literature, there is a consistently increased risk of bladder cancer (HR: 1.67, 95% CI 1.55-1.80), rectal cancer (HR: 1.79, 95% CI 1.34-2.38), and colorectal cancer (HR: 1.79, 95% CI 1.34-23.8) following percutaneous radiation therapy. Following brachytherapy only an increased for the development of bladder cancer (HR: 2.14, 95% CI 1.03-3.94) has been observed. The incidence of second neoplasms increases significantly and continuously with the posttreatment time interval. Although bladder cancers following RT of the prostate are usually more locally advanced and of high grade, no negative impact in terms of overall survival and cancer-specific survival has been observed. Symptoms or findings of microhematuria need to be examined thoroughly after radiation therapy to identify bladder cancer quite early.

Keywords: Bladder cancer; Prostate cancer; Prostatectomy, radical; Radiotherapy; Rectal cancer.