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Consequences of Pelvic Radiotherapy on Urinary Function in Women

  • Reconstructed Bladder Function & Dysfunction (M Kaufman, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The objective of this review is to critically evaluate recent literature on the urinary complications following pelvic radiation for malignancy in women.

Recent Findings

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) manifest in a significant population of women post-radiation with confirmed objective findings on urodynamic evaluation. Other serious consequences such as fistula, hemorrhagic cystitis, and strictures are less common but can be significant.

Summary

The sequelae of radiation on the female lower urinary tract can range from mild symptoms to those requiring major surgical intervention. Therefore, post-radiotherapy patients must be approached with vigilance in conjunction with thorough preoperative counseling.

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Abbreviations

EBRT:

External beam radiation therapy

IBRT:

Internal beam radiation therapy

ROS:

Reactive oxidative species

SASP:

Secretory profile of senescence

HDR:

High dose rate

LDR:

Low dose rate

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Urology, McGovern Medical School at University of Texas at Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    Ly T. N. Hoang

  2. Department of Urology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Divya Ajay & O. Lenaine Westney

Authors
  1. Ly T. N. Hoang
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  2. Divya Ajay
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  3. O. Lenaine Westney
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to O. Lenaine Westney.

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Dr. Hoang and Dr. Ajay declare they have no conflict of interest. Dr. Westney is a consultant for Boston Scientific.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Reconstructed Bladder Function & Dysfunction

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Hoang, L.T.N., Ajay, D. & Westney, O.L. Consequences of Pelvic Radiotherapy on Urinary Function in Women. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 14, 280–287 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-019-00565-0

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