Consequential late effects after radiotherapy for prostate cancer - a prospective longitudinal quality of life study.

Background: To answer the question if and to which extent acute symptoms at the end and/or several weeks after radiotherapy can predict adverse urinary and gastrointestinal long-term quality of life (QoL).

Methods: A group of 298 patients has been surveyed prospectively before (time A), at the last day (B), two months after (C) and >one year after (D) radiotherapy using a validated questionnaire (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite). A subgroup of 10% with the greatest urinary/bowel bother score decrease at time D was defined as patients with adverse long-term QoL.

Prostate-specific antigen kinetics following external-beam radiotherapy and temporary (Ir-192) or permanent (I-125) brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

Background And Purpose: The aim of the study was the evaluation of PSA kinetics after different radiotherapy methods.

Materials And Methods: Two-hundred and ninety five patients received external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT; 70.2 Gy; n=135), Ir-192 brachytherapy as a boost to EBRT (HDR-BT; 18 Gy+50.