Brachytherapy
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Rectal function following brachytherapy with or without supplemental external beam radiation: results of two prospective randomized trials.
To evaluate the effect of isotope and supplemental external beam radiation therapy (XRT) on brachytherapy-related rectal morbidity, using prospective, patient-administered quality of life (QOL) assessments. ⋯ The multifactorial R-FAS elucidated fine gradations in bowel function of a severity less than RTOG Grade 3 morbidity. Of multiple clinical, treatment, and dosimetric parameters evaluated, only the minimum dose received by 5% of the rectum (D5) correlated with rectal dysfunction via the R-FAS instrument, while none of the evaluated parameters predicted for bowel dysfunction using the RTOG survey. Following permanent prostate brachytherapy, the ability to discern subtle changes in rectal function is dependent on the sensitivity of the survey instrument.