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 urinary side effects (other than urinary scarring – see below) for patients treated with EBRT plus an HDR Brachytherapy boost than with EBRT alone.
Patients are more likely to develop problems passing urine when treated with EBRT plus an LDR Brachytherapy boost than with EBRT alone:
Within the first 6 months. Out of 100 patients:
- 30 patients who had EBRT and LDR developed moderate urinary symptoms, compared to 16 patients who had EBRT alone.
Between 6 months and 5 years. Out of 100 patients:
- 33 patients who had EBRT and LDR developed moderate urinary symptoms, compared to 21 patients who had EBRT alone.
- 18 patients who had EBRT and LDR developed more severe urinary symptoms, compared to 5 patients who had EBRT alone.
There is some evidence that scarring in the urinary passage requiring treatment is worse in patients having a Brachytherapy boost, compared with patients having EBRT alone. Although this is rare in both groups. Scarring can lead to a narrowing of the passage and reduced urine flow.
Out of 100 patients, those who required surgery for scarring of their urinary passage:
- 8 patients treated with EBRT and HDR compared to 2 treated with EBRT alone
- 16 patients treated with EBRT and LDR compared to 2 treated with EBRT alone
The information given on side effects is taken from the NHS England clinical Commissioning Policy, based on thirteen studies.