Treatment of chronic post-radiation cystitis with trans-urethral amniotic bladder therapy appears durable at 9 months: A clinical study

PURPOSE

Chronic radiation cystitis (CRC) develops after radiation therapy and can present with symptoms like urinary frequency, urgency, pelvic pain, and nocturia. We have previously reported that amniotic bladder therapy (ABT) provides symptomatic improvement in refractory CRC patients for up to 3 months. Herein, we evaluated the durability of ABT up to 6 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CRC patients recalcitrant to previous treatments received ABT comprised of intra-detrusor injections of 100 mg micronized AM diluted in 10 mL 0.9% preservative-free sodium chloride. Clinical evaluation and questionnaires (Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI), Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI), Bladder Pain/Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score (BPIC-SS), Overactive Bladder (OAB) Assessment Tool, SF-12 Health Survey) were repeated at pre-op and 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 36 weeks post-injection.

RESULTS

Five consecutive patients with a mean age of 64.4 ± 20.1 years with a median CRC duration of 10 years were included and followed for 6 months. After ABT, the lower urinary tract symptoms improved as early as 2 weeks and were maintained up to 20 weeks. BPIC significantly improved from 36.6 ± 1.1 at baseline to 12.6 ± 1.5 at 16 weeks and 13.8 ± 2.9 at 20 weeks. At 24 and 36 weeks, the improvement was maintained in four (80%) of the five patients (BPIC = 13.8 ± 1.0). Uroflow assessment showed voiding volume improved two-fold in four of the five patients at 24 weeks compared to baseline.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that a significant number of CRC patients may have durable benefit after ABT. Despite this, some of them can show symptoms rebound at 24 weeks.

Identification of Molecular Mechanisms in Radiation Cystitis: Insights from RNA Sequencing

Pelvic cancer survivors who were treated with radiation therapy are at risk for developing (hemorrhagic) radiation cystitis (RC) many years after completion of radiation therapy. Patients with RC suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms, including frequency, nocturia, pelvic pain, and incontinence. In advanced stages, hematuria can occur, potentially escalating to life-threatening levels. Current therapeutic options for RC are limited, partly due to ethical concerns regarding bladder biopsy in patients with fragile bladder tissue. This study aimed to leverage our established preclinical model to elucidate the molecular pathways implicated in radiation-induced tissue changes in the bladder. Female C57Bl/6 mice received a single dose of 40 Gy using CT-guided imaging and a two-beam irradiation approach using the SARRP irradiator. Bladders from irradiated and age-matched littermate controls were harvested at 1 week [n = 5/group] or 6 months [n = 5/group] after irradiation, RNA was harvested, and mRNA sequencing was performed at paired-end 150bp on the Illumina NovaSeq6000 with a target of 30 million reads per sample. Following RNA sequencing, thorough bioinformatics analysis was performed using iPathwayGuide v2012 (ADVAITA Bioinformatics). Findings of the RNA sequencing were validated using qPCR analysis. At 1 week post-irradiation, altered gene expression was detected in genes involved in DNA damage response, apoptosis, and transcriptional regulation. By 6 months post-irradiation, significant changes in gene expression were observed in inflammation, collagen catabolism, and vascular health. Affected pathways included the p53, JAK-STAT, and PI3K-Akt pathways. These findings were validated in vivo in bladder tissues from our preclinical model. This is the first study to determine the molecular changes in the bladder in response to radiation treatment. We have successfully pinpointed several pathways and specific genes that undergo modification, thereby contributing to the progression of radiation cystitis. These insights enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of radiation cystitis and may ultimately pave the way to the identification of potential new therapeutic targets.

A preliminary report assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of amniotic bladder therapy in patients with chronic radiation cystitis

INTRODUCTION

Chronic radiation cystitis (CRC) can develop between 6 months and 20 years after radiation therapy that presents with symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, bladder pain, and nocturia. Amniotic membrane (AM) is known to contain pro-regenerative properties and could thereby be a potential therapeutic modality for radiation-induced tissue injury of the bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CRC patients recalcitrant to previous treatments received amniotic bladder therapy (ABT) comprised of intra-detrusor injections of 100 mg micronized AM (Clarix Flo) diluted in 10 mL 0.9% preservative-free sodium chloride. Clinical evaluation and questionnaires (Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI), Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI), Bladder Pain/ Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score (BPIC-SS), Overactive Bladder (OAB) Assessment Tool, and SF-12 Health Survey) were repeated at preop and 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-injection.

RESULTS

Five consecutive female patients aged 64.4 ± 20.1 years with a median CRC disease duration of 10 years were included. After ABT, BPIC-SS scores improved from baseline to 12 weeks (36.6 ± 1.1 to 12.6 ± 3.1) and this was associated with an improvement in ICSI, ICPI, OAB, and SF-12 scores. One patient had an acute urinary tract infection at 2 weeks but was successfully treated with oral antibiotics. No other adverse events related to micronized AM injections were observed. Uroflow assessments showed increases in voided volume for all five patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This data provides additional evidence for the potential benefit of ABT in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions of bladder such as CRC.

Revolutionizing Radiotoxicity Management with Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Derivatives: A Focus on Radiation-Induced Cystitis

Although radiation therapy plays a crucial role in cancer treatment, and techniques have improved continuously, irradiation induces side effects in healthy tissue. Radiation cystitis is a potential complication following the therapeutic irradiation of pelvic cancers and negatively impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). To date, no effective treatment is available, and this toxicity remains a therapeutic challenge. In recent times, stem cell-based therapy, particularly the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), has gained attention in tissue repair and regeneration due to their easy accessibility and their ability to differentiate into several tissue types, modulate the immune system and secrete substances that help nearby cells grow and heal. In this review, we will summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms of radiation-induced injury to normal tissues, including radiation cystitis (RC). We will then discuss the therapeutic potential and limitations of MSCs and their derivatives, including packaged conditioned media and extracellular vesicles, in the management of radiotoxicity and RC.

Advances in the management of radiation-induced cystitis in patients with pelvic malignancies

OBJECTIVE

Radiotherapy plays a vital role as a treatment for malignant pelvic tumors, in which the bladder represents a significant organ at risk involved during tumor radiotherapy. Exposing the bladder wall to high doses of ionizing radiation is unavoidable and will lead to radiation cystitis (RC) because of its central position in the pelvic cavity. Radiation cystitis will result in several complications (e.g. frequent micturition, urgent urination, and nocturia) that can significantly reduce the patient's quality of life and in very severe cases become life-threatening.

METHODS

Existing studies on the pathophysiology, prevention, and management of radiation-induced cystitis from January 1990 to December 2021 were reviewed. PubMed was used as the main search engine. Besides the reviewed studies, citations to those studies were also included.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

In this review, the symptoms of radiation cystitis and the mainstream grading scales employed in clinical situations are presented. Next, preclinical and clinical research on preventing and treating radiation cystitis are summarized, and an overview of currently available prevention and treatment strategies as guidelines for clinicians is provided. Treatment options involve symptomatic treatment, vascular interventional therapy, surgery, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), bladder irrigation, and electrocoagulation. Prevention includes filling up the bladder to remove it from the radiation field and delivering radiation based on helical tomotherapy and CT-guided 3D intracavitary brachytherapy techniques.

Correlation Between Serum and Urine Biomarkers and the Intensity of Acute Radiation Cystitis in Patients Treated With Radiation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer: Protocol for the Radiotoxicity Bladder Biomarkers (RABBIO) Study

BACKGROUND

Despite improvements in radiation techniques, pelvic radiotherapy is responsible for acute and delayed bladder adverse events, defined as radiation cystitis. The initial symptoms of bladder injury secondary to pelvic irradiation are likely to occur during treatment or within 3 months of radiotherapy in approximately 50% of irradiated patients, and have a significant impact on their quality of life. The pathophysiology of radiation cystitis is not well understood, particularly because of the risk of complications associated with access to bladder tissue after irradiation, which limits our ability to study this process and develop treatments.

OBJECTIVE

It is an original study combining digital data collection to monitor patients' symptoms and biological markers during irradiation. The main objective of our study is to evaluate the correlation of biological biomarkers with the intensity of acute radiation cystitis and the quality of life of patients, assessed with the digital telemonitoring platform Cureety.

METHODS

Patients with intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer who are eligible for localized radiotherapy will be included. Inflammatory biomarkers will be analyzed in urine and blood samples before the start of radiotherapy and at weeks 4, 12, and 48 of irradiation, through quantitative methods such as a multiplex Luminex assay, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We will also characterize the patients' gut and urine microbiota composition using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing technology. Between sample collection visits, patients will complete various questionnaires related to radiation cystitis symptoms (using the International Prostate Symptom Score), adverse events, and quality of life (using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate questionnaire), using the Cureety digital remote monitoring platform. Upon receipt of the questionnaires, an algorithm will process the information and classify patients in accordance with the severity of symptoms and adverse events reported on the basis of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and International Prostate Symptom Score standards. This will allow us to correlate levels of urinary, blood, and fecal biomarkers with the severity of acute radiation cystitis symptoms and patient-reported quality of life.

RESULTS

The study started in March 2022. We estimate a recruitment period of approximately 18 months, and the final results are expected in 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective study is the first to explore the overexpression of inflammatory proteins in fluid biopsies from patients with symptoms of acute radiation cystitis. In addition, the 1-year follow-up after treatment will allow us to predict which patients are at risk of late radiation cystitis and to refer them for radioprotective treatment. The results of this study will allow us to develop strategies to limit radiation damage to the bladder and improve the quality of life of patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05246774; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05246774?term=NCT05246774.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/38362.

Intravesical IR-780 instillation prevents radiation cystitis by protecting urothelial integrity

PURPOSE

To explore an efficient preventive strategy for radiation cystitis.

METHODS

We instilled IR-780 into the bladders of rats 1 h before bladder irradiation, and its bio-distribution was observed at different times. Bladders were then examined for pathogenic alterations and inflammation levels by day 3 and week 12 postirradiation, and the functional characteristics of the bladder were tested via cystometry by week 12. Human uroepithelial sv-huc-1 cells were used to determine the effect of IR-780 on cell viability, regardless of irradiation. We measured the intracellular levels of oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis proportion, and the expression of antioxidant proteases and apoptotic caspases in IR-780 pretreated cells after radiation.

RESULTS

IR-780 is localized in the urothelium after intravesical instillation in vivo. Ionizing radiation could induce acute impairment of the bladder urothelium and inflammation in the bladder on day 3. Fibrosis of the irradiated bladder progressed and eventually affected voiding function at 12 weeks. Treatment with IR-780 before irradiation ameliorated these changes. In vitro, IR-780 protected against cell viability and apoptosis of sv-huc-1 cells after irradiation. Additionally, IR-780 may assist in eliminating reactive oxygen species and repairing irradiation-induced DNA damage.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that IR-780 can be used before irradiation to prevent acute urinary mucosal injury and late bladder dysfunction. Moreover, early urothelial impairment plays a significant role in radiation cystitis development.

Emergency department visits for radiation cystitis among patients with a prostate cancer history

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the national burden of emergency department (ED) visits for radiation cystitis (RC), a known complication of radiation therapy (RT) to the pelvic area, among patients with a prostate cancer history, and identify those who are at increased risk of requiring invasive measures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study queried the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for all ED visits from January 2006 to December 2015 with a primary diagnosis of RC and secondary diagnosis of prostate cancer. ED visits were characterised by demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, and hospital characteristics. Weighted frequencies were used to create national estimates for all data analysis.

RESULTS

A weighted total of 17 382 ED visits occurred for RC among patients with a prostate cancer history, of which 9655 (55.5%) were treated with an invasive procedure. Notable factors associated with undergoing an invasive procedure included having a prior prostatectomy (odds ratio [OR] 5.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.62-11.46), urinary retention (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.12-1.64), haematuria (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.42), and undergoing a blood transfusion (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.72-2.62). ED visits that were associated with invasive procedures had a higher median total charge ($34 707.53 vs $15 632.53) and an increased median length of stay (5 vs 3 days) compared to visits without an invasive procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Among ED visits for RC in prostate cancer, approximately one half required an invasive procedure for treatment. While RT remains an effective modality for patients with prostate cancer, providers should be mindful of RC as a potential complication.

Radiation cystitis: A late effect of radiotherapy in a patient with cervical rhabdomyosarcoma

We report the case of a 22-year old female presenting with an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the cervix that was successfully treated by surgery followed by adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy. She subsequently developed radiation cystitis after 10 years of follow-up. She was successfully treated with cystoscopic fulguration. In this report, we discuss a review of management strategies for cervical rhabdomyosarcoma and also throw some light on incidence and management of radiation cystitis after pelvic radiotherapy. We discuss the dose independence of radiation cystitis, which can be seen after as low as 4500 cGy of pelvic radiation.

Chronic Inflammation and Radiation-Induced Cystitis: Molecular Background and Therapeutic Perspectives

Radiation cystitis is a potential complication following the therapeutic irradiation of pelvic cancers. Its clinical management remains unclear, and few preclinical data are available on its underlying pathophysiology. The therapeutic strategy is difficult to establish because few prospective and randomized trials are available. In this review, we report on the clinical presentation and pathophysiology of radiation cystitis. Then we discuss potential therapeutic approaches, with a focus on the immunopathological processes underlying the onset of radiation cystitis, including the fibrotic process. Potential therapeutic avenues for therapeutic modulation will be highlighted, with a focus on the interaction between mesenchymal stromal cells and macrophages for the prevention and treatment of radiation cystitis.

Can radiation-induced lower urinary tract disease be ameliorated in patients treated for pelvic organ cancer: ICI-RS 2019?

Aims

This article reviews the clinical outcomes and basic science related to negative effects of radiotherapy (RT) on the lower urinary tract (LUT) when used to treat pelvic malignancies.

Methods

The topic was discussed at the 2019 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence―Research Society during a “think tank” session and is summarized in the present article.

Results

RT is associated with adverse effects on the LUT, which may occur during treatment or which can develop over decades posttreatment. Here, we summarize the incidence and extent of clinical symptoms associated with several modes of delivery of RT. RT impact on normal tissues including urethra, bladder, and ureters is discussed, and the underlying biology is examined. We discuss innovative in vivo methodologies to mimic RT in the laboratory and their potential use in the elucidation of mechanisms underlying radiation‐associated pathophysiology. Finally, emerging questions that need to be addressed through further research are proposed.

Conclusions

We conclude that RT‐induced negative effects on the LUT represent a significant clinical problem. Although this has been reduced with improved methods of delivery to spare normal tissue, we need to (a) discover better approaches to protect normal tissue and (b) develop effective treatments to reverse radiation damage.

LATE RADIATION TOXICITY AFTER RADICAL RADIOTHERAPY FOR GENITAL CANCER

Radiation therapy for malignant tumors of the female genital area, even with the use of modern radiotherapy equipment and dosimetric planning, causes the development of local radiation changes. An approach involving methodsof general and local exposure is used in their treatment. One of the most promising directions is the creation of optimal combinations of medicines (in the form of ointments, gels, aerosols, suppositories, etc.), which have a therapeutic effect on the inflammatory process. The article reflects the clinical course and stage of occurrence of late radiation reactions of the skin, vaginal/cervix mucosa, bladder, and intestines, as well as the features of their treatment.Literary data and own practical experience in the treatment of radiation complications are presented. Whenreviewing the topic under study, it could be concluded that the leading cause of the development of local radiationdamage is the errors in the planning and implementation of radiation therapy, when high absorbed doses thatexceed the tolerance of healthy tissues are used. Another reason for this is the poor accounting for dose distribution of ionizing radiation in tissues, the presence of concomitant diseases in patients, and the underestimation ofthe long-term effects of radiation.

Endoscopic Intravesical Fibrin Glue Application in the Treatment of Refractory Hemorrhagic Radiation Cystitis: A Single Cohort Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical value of endoscopic fibrin glue (FG) application therapy in treating hemorrhagic radiation cystitis (HRC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a single-cohort, prospective pilot study. We collected data from patients with HRC who were treated at our urology unit from May 2014 to December 2016. Patients with grade ≥2 HRC for whom conventional therapy and transurethral endoscopic electrocoagulation had failed were treated with endoscopic intravesical FG. The mean follow-up was 26.2 ± 9.78 months. Our analysis included data on patient demographics, pelvic malignancies, radiotherapy regimens, total dose of radiation received, time of onset and severity of hematuria, and previous intravesical management. Following FG intervention, patients' clinical status was defined as: (1) clinical response; absence of dysuria, urgency, and frequency; discontinuation of analgesic medication; and Foley catheter removal, but with ongoing hematuria grade <2; (2) complete response, clinical response, and no further hematuria; or (3) no response, no clinical response, and sustained hematuria.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients (12 women and 8 men; mean age, 69 ± 7.5 years) were treated with 12 mL FG intravesically, using endoscopic application. Of the 20 patients, 16 (80%) had a complete response and 4 (20%) had a clinical response. In the case of four patients (20%), treatment was carried out twice. Mean hospital stay was 6 ± 2.5 days. The intervention showed good tolerability in all patients. No major adverse events were reported. Bladder spasms were the only minor adverse events reported in six patients (30%).

CONCLUSION

Application of FG is an effective, practical, affordable, and repeatable procedure for the treatment of grade ≥2 HRC.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation cystitis after pelvic radiotherapy: Systematic review of the recent literature

The present study assessed the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in reducing symptoms of radiation cystitis, a specific type of iatrogenic injury to the bladder, by systematic review of recent literature. The MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched using combinations of the terms "radiation," "cystitis" and "hyperbaric oxygen" to identify articles evaluating patients with radiation cystitis, treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Only recent (≤10 years) original studies were included. Data were extracted and pooled in order to calculate descriptive weighted averages. Articles were evaluated on their level of evidence. A total of 20 papers were obtained, resulting in a cohort of 815 patients who were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation cystitis. Overall and complete response rates varied from 64.8% to 100% and 20% to 100%, respectively. The weighted average overall and complete response rates were 87.3% and 65.3%, respectively. Adverse events were observed in 9.6% of the patients, but permanent side-effects were rare. The most prominent limitations were high cost and low availability. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is effective in the treatment of radiation-induced cystitis, with minimal adverse events, but low availability and high cost. At present, evidence is low; therefore, more prospective studies are required.

[Management of urinary bladder radiation injury]

AIM

To investigate the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of patients with radiation induced urinary bladder injury (radiation cystitis).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised 23 patients with late radiation induced urinary bladder injury who were evaluated and treated using hyperbaric oxygen therapy and bladder instillation. Before and after treatment, all patients underwent cystoscopy with the bladder mucosa biopsy.

- RESULTS

In all patients, the treatment resulted in positive outcomes manifested by resolution of hematuria, alleviation of dysuria, decrease in urination frequency to 6.5 +/- 0.5 times a day, increase the bladder capacity, which ultimately improved patients the quality of life. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was well tolerated, there were no adverse effects. Morphological studies confirmed positive clinical changes following hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

CONCLUSION

The study findings support wider use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of radiation cystitis.

Clinical utility of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in genitourinary medicine

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical technique which delivers oxygen at ambient pressures to increase the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood and oxygen distribution to tissues. There are several beneficial properties of HBOT concomitant with elevated oxygen distribution in tissue including anti-inflammation, angiogenesis through vascular endothelial growth factor proliferation, augmented fibroblast activity through fibroblast growth factor proliferation, tissue and wound repair, enhancement of lymphocyte and macrophage activity, increased male testosterone secretion, and bactericidal activity. Given its renown in treating conditions such as decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning, HBOT is making gradual strides for use in genitourinary medicine due to its low risk and likeliness to achieve favorable results. Early success has been observed in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene, radiation cystitis, and interstitial cystitis via the elimination of clinical symptoms such as pain. Further indications that have exhibited positive outcomes despite HBOT's ambiguous mechanism of action include cyclophosphamide hemorrhagic cystitis, emphysematous cystitis, pelvic radiation disease, radiation-induced proctopathy, dystrophic calcification of the prostate, erectile dysfunction secondary to urethroplasty, priapism, abnormal renal morphology, blood testosterone, calcific uremic arteriolopathy, and hidradenitis suppurativa. For other indications, multicenter studies must be conducted to determine HBOT's true efficacy, mechanism of action, risks, and advantages over conventional treatments.

Urological complications after radical hysterectomy with postoperative radiotherapy and radiotherapy alone for cervical cancer

Radiotherapy is a reliable method to cure cervical cancer patients, but it could cause serious urological complications after the treatment due to the anatomical location of the cervix. The main purpose of this retrospective analysis is to study the incidence, latency, and therapeutic efficacy of urological complications caused by radical hysterectomy with postoperative radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone in patients with cervical cancer.A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with cervical cancer who received radical hysterectomy with postoperative radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone at the First Hospital of Jilin University between January 2010 and May 2016. The urological complications were confirmed by clinical manifestation, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), nuclear scintigraphy, and assessment of renal function. All the patients with urological complications received conventional treatment, including conservative, electrosurgery, ureteral stents, nephrectomy, and neoplasty. The onset time of radiation injury symptoms was confirmed according to the medical history and follow-up. The surveillance for the therapeutic effects for these complications was accomplished by cystoscopy, imaging, and laboratory assessment.The overall rate of urological complications after treatment was 3.26%, comprising 2.12% ureteral obstruction, 0.98% radiocystitis, and 0.16% vesicovaginal fistula. The incidence of ureteral obstruction in patients treated with radical hysterectomy with postoperative radiotherapy and radiotherapy alone was not statistically significant (2.18% vs 1.59%, P > .05). The median onset time of radiocystitis and ureteral obstruction was 10 months (0-75 months) and 12 months (2-66.3 months), respectively. The onset time of vesicovaginal fistula was 3.5 months. After the appropriate treatment, the majority of the complications were under control.The incidence of urological complications is acceptable. There was no statistical difference in the risk between patients treated with radical hysterectomy with postoperative radiotherapy and radiotherapy alone. The latency period between radiotherapy and the manifestation of urological complications may be relatively long. So it is crucial to underline long-term follow-up after radiotherapy. The majority of urological complications were alleviated after symptomatic treatment and the patients with cervical cancer achieved long-term remissions or cures.

Radiotherapy-related complications presenting to a urology department: a more common problem than previously thought?

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the burden of the side effects of radiotherapy on a tertiary referral urology department.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study of all urology admissions to a public urology department at a tertiary hospital in a 6-month period was performed. Patients admitted with complications attributable to radiotherapy were included in the study. Data obtained included patient demographics, radiotherapy details, complication type and management required.

RESULTS

A total of 1198 patients were admitted; 921 (77%) were elective and 277 (23%) were emergency admissions. Thirteen out of the 921 (1.4%) elective admissions and 20 out of the 277 (7.2%) emergency admissions were attributable to radiotherapy complications. Radiotherapy complications was the fourth most common reason for emergency admission, ahead of acute urinary retention. These 33 admissions were accounted for by 21 patients. A total of 39 separate complications attributable to radiotherapy were diagnosed, with some patients having multiple complications. The median (interquartile range) time to onset of complications was 4 (1-9) years. The surgical intervention rate was 67%. The commonest procedures were washout with/without clot evacuation or diathermy in theatre (15.8%) and urethral dilatation/bladder neck incision (15.8%). Two urinary diversions and two cystoprostatectomies plus urinary diversion were performed.

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy complications are consequential and account for a substantial proportion of a tertiary urology department's emergency workload. These complications generally occur years after radiotherapy and frequently require surgical intervention.

Early urinary diversion with ileal conduit and vesicovaginostomy in the treatment of radiation cystitis due to carcinoma cervix: a study from a tertiary care hospital in South India

BACKGROUND

To study the magnitude of radiation cystitis following radiation therapy for carcinoma cervix, and propose an algorithm to decide on early diversion, with or without vesicovaginostomy.

METHODS

Women who developed radiation cystitis following radiotherapy for carcinoma cervix from January 1998 to December 2011 were included in this retrospective study. Electronic hospital records were analysed to document the presence of radiation cystitis. All women who developed evidence of radiation-induced cystitis, according to the common toxicity and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria, were included in the study. We looked at transfusion requirements, number of hospital admissions, quality of life and cost involved. Chi-square tests were done where applicable. SPSS version 16 was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 902 patients who received radiation for carcinoma cervix in the 13-year period, 62 (6.87%) developed grade 3/4 cystitis. Twenty-eight of them underwent ileal conduit diversion, with 18 undergoing concomitant vesicovaginostomy. When compared with the patients who did not have diversion, the transfusion requirements, number of hospital admissions and quality of life had a statistically significant difference. Cost analysis of early diversion too showed a marginal benefit with early diversion. The limitation of the study was that it was retrospective in nature.

CONCLUSION

In radiation cystitis, multiple hospital admissions and consequential increase in cost is the norm. In severe disease, early diversion is a prudent, cost-effective approach with good quality of life and early return to normal activity.

Mechanisms of hemorrhagic cystitis

The vast majority of cases of infectious cystitis are easily treated, and most patients have no long-term complications. However, hemorrhagic cystitis is a potentially deadly complication associated with pelvic radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and stem-cell transplant therapy. The focus of current understanding, and hence therapy, is directed toward urothelial cell death. However, the primary functional ramification of inflammatory bladder disease is the loss of compliance due to muscular expansion. Recent studies on smooth muscle response in models of bladder inflammation demonstrate a process of pyroptotic cell death that potentiates further muscle hyperplasia. These findings may support alternative interventions for subjects with hemorrhagic cystitis refractive to current therapy.

Advances in Therapeutic Development for Radiation Cystitis

Radiation treatment for pelvic malignancies is typically associated with radiation injury to urinary bladder that can ultimately lead to radiation cystitis (RC). The late sequelae of radiation therapy may take many years to develop and include bothersome storage symptoms such as hematuria, which may be life-threatening in severe cases of hemorrhagic cystitis. Although no definitive treatment is currently available, various interventions are used for radiation and hemorrhagic cystitis including blood transfusion, bladder irrigation, intravesical instillation of substances such as alum, silver nitrate, prostaglandins or formalin, and fulguration of intravesical bleeding sites and surgery options such as supravesical urinary diversions and cystectomy. Effects of non-surgical treatments for radiation and hemorrhagic cystitis are of modest success and studies are lacking to control the effects caused by RC. When such measures have proven ineffective, use of bladder botulinum toxin injection has been reported. New therapy, such as intravesical immunosuppression with local tacrolimus formulation is being developed for the treatment of radiation hemorrhagic cystitis.

Alum irrigation for the treatment of intractable haematuria

Managing intractable haematuria is a daunting task. One cause of this condition is radiationinduced haemorrhagic cystitis. Several treatments for the condition have been proposed and one non-invasive option is alum irrigation. Here, we report on a 65-year-old woman with intractable haematuria secondary to radiation cystitis who was successfully treated with alum irrigation. Alum irrigation is safe, well tolerated and relatively cheap. A review of the literature and a comprehensive discussion on alum irrigation as treatment for haematuria is discussed here to create an awareness regarding this treatment option.