Relationships between dose to the gastro-intestinal tract and patient-reported symptom domains after radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer Journal Article


Authors: Thor, M.; Olsson, C. E.; Oh, J. H.; Petersen, S. E.; Alsadius, D.; Bentzen, L.; Pettersson, N.; Muren, L. P.; Waldenström, A. C.; Høyer, M.; Steineck, G.; Deasy, J. O.
Article Title: Relationships between dose to the gastro-intestinal tract and patient-reported symptom domains after radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer
Abstract: Background. Gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity after radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer is typically addressed by studying specific single symptoms. The aim of this study was to explore the interplay between domains of patient- reported outcomes (PROs) on GI morbidity, and to what extent these are explained by RT dose to the GI tract.Material and methods. The study included men from two Scandinavian studies (N = 211/277) who had undergone primary external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for localized prostate cancer to 70-78 Gy (2 Gy/fraction). Factor analysis was applied to previously identified PRO-based symptom domains from two study-specific questionnaires. Number of questions: 43; median time to follow-up: 3.6-6.4 years) and dose-response outcome variables were defined from these domains. Dose/volume parameters of the anal sphincter (AS) or the rectum were tested as predictors for each outcome variable using logistic regression with 10-fold cross-validation. Performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) and model frequency.Results. Outcome variables from Defecation urgency (number of symptoms: 2-3), Fecal leakage (4-6), Mucous (4), and Pain (3-6) were defined. In both cohorts, intermediate rectal doses predicted Defecation urgency (mean Az: 0.53-0.54; Frequency: 70-75%), and near minimum and low AS doses predicted Fecal leakage (mean Az: 0.63-0.67; Frequency: 83-99%). In one cohort, high AS doses predicted Mucous (mean Az: 0.54; Frequency: 96%), whereas in the other, low AS doses and intermediate rectal doses predicted Pain (mean Az: 0.69; Frequency: 28-82%).Conclusion. We have demonstrated that Defecation urgency, Fecal leakage, Mucous, and Pain following primary EBRT for localized prostate cancer primarily are predicted by intermediate rectal doses, low AS doses, high AS doses, or a combination of low AS and intermediate rectal doses, respectively. This suggests that there is a domain-specific dose-response for the GI tract. To reduce risk of GI morbidity, dose distributions of both the AS region and the rectum should, therefore, be considered when prescribing prostate cancer RT. © 2015 Informa Healthcare.
Keywords: aged; major clinical study; cancer radiotherapy; radiation dose; outcome assessment; follow up; gastrointestinal symptom; prostate cancer; questionnaire; radiation dose fractionation; external beam radiotherapy; organ size; radiation sickness; predictive value; rectum; anus sphincter; mucus secretion; outcome variable; gastrointestinal pain; human; male; priority journal; article; gastrointestinal mucosa; symptom assessment; defecation urgency; fecal leakage; disease severity assessment
Journal Title: Acta Oncologica
Volume: 54
Issue: 9
ISSN: 0284-186X
Publisher: Informa Healthcare  
Date Published: 2015-01-01
Start Page: 1326
End Page: 1334
Language: English
DOI: 10.3109/0284186x.2015.1063779
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 26340136
PMCID: PMC4786008
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 3 March 2016 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Jung Hun Oh
    187 Oh
  2. Joseph Owen Deasy
    524 Deasy
  3. Maria Elisabeth Thor
    148 Thor