The results from these smaller studies should be interpreted with care and with the help from a health professional.
Smaller studies have reported:
There is no difference in bowel side effects, such as increased frequency of stools, loose stools and passing blood, for patients treated with EBRT plus HDR boost or EBRT alone.
Patients are more likely to develop bowel symptoms between 6 months and 5 years when treated with EBRT plus LDR boost than with EBRT alone.
Out of 100 patients:
- 31 patients who had EBRT plus LDR boost had moderate bowel symptoms compared to 20 patients who had EBRT alone
- 8 patients who had EBRT plus LDR boost had more severe bowel symptoms compared to 3 patients who had EBRT alone
The information given on side effects is taken from the NHS England clinical Commissioning Policy, based on thirteen studies.