ESTRO Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer 2018

Normal tissue effects and injury – Acute effects – LDR prostate brachytherapy – rectal mucosa

Acute effects

symptoms

outcome

management

Rectal mucosa

Inflammation, oedema, hyperaemia, cellular loss with loss of epithelial integrity

• diarrhoea • tenesmus • mucoid discharge • haematochezia • anorectal pain • cramps

• Mostly self-limiting • Resolves spontaneously • Typically takes a few months • Does not generally convey risk of late complications

Reassurance Pharmacological

• Antidiarrhoeals • Antispasmodics • laxatives • Dietary modification • Steroid enemas