External-Beam Radiation Therapy For Localized Prostate Cancer Linked To Bladder, Lung And Colorectal Cancer

Main Category: Prostate / Prostate Cancer
Also Included In: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine;  Cancer / Oncology;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 15 May 2008 - 5:00 PST

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Patients undergoing external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for localized prostate cancer may be at an increased risk for secondary malignancy, according to a study from researchers in Canada, Italy and the United States presented during the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) in Orlando. Researchers will present data to reporters during a special press conference on May 19, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.

These findings have significant implications for men evaluating treatment options for localized prostate cancer.

Using records from 10,333 men treated for localized prostate cancer (6,196 with radical prostatectomy and 4,137 with EBRT) between 1983 and 2004, researchers examined subsequent diagnoses of bladder, lung and colorectal cancer to determine whether the incidence rate of these secondary malignancies was greater in patients who underwent EBRT as opposed to radical prostatectomy.

Researchers used diagnosis codes defining cystectomy, lobectomy or pneumectomy (for lung cancer) and colectomy (with or without rectal resection) for colorectal cancer to identify the incidence of secondary malignancy in this study population. 92 cystectomies, 82 lung cancer surgeries and 228 colorectal cancer surgeries were performed. Univariable analyses showed an increase in the rate of secondary malignancy treatment in men treated with EBRT. Multivariate analysis was performed, with adjustments made for age, baseline comorbidities and year of treatment and indicated that EBRT predisposed patients to a 3.0-fold increase for cystectomy for bladder cancer, 1.8-fold rate of lung-cancer resections and 1.7-fold higher rate of rectal cancer.

In addition to the authors, Christopher L. Amling, M.D., a member of the AUA Public Media Committee, will be on hand to provide expert commentary on the studies.

Bhojani N, Jeldres C, Da Pozzo LF, Morgan M, Shariat S, Perrotte P et al: External-beam radiation therapy increases the rate of secondary malignancies relative to radical prostatectomy in men with prostate cancer. J Urol, suppl., 2008; 179: 113, abstract 318.

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 15,000 members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs members and their patients, including UrologyHealth.org, an award-winning on-line patient education resource, and the American Urological Association Foundation, Inc.

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