A Corewell Health study suggests that men with longer prostatic urethras face a higher risk of urinary side effects after prostate cancer radiation therapy. By utilizing a novel MRI metric, researchers found that for each additional centimeter in prostatic urethra length, patients had a 60% higher chance of experiencing urinary urgency and frequency. Those with urethras longer than 4.6 centimeters were nearly twice as likely to develop symptoms. These findings, published in Academic Radiology, offer a breakthrough in predicting radiation side effects, enabling more informed treatment decisions and potential improvements in sparing the prostatic urethra from radiation exposure.
A recent study conducted by Corewell Health has unveiled a potential breakthrough in predicting the likelihood of men experiencing urinary side effects following radiation treatment for prostate cancer. The research points to a significant correlation between the length of the prostatic urethra – the segment of the urethra that traverses the prostate – and the risk of enduring moderate to chronic urinary issues after radiation therapy. This discovery may pave the way for a more informed approach to prostate cancer treatment.
Until now, identifying risk factors associated with such side effects has been a challenging endeavor for researchers. However, the introduction of a simple MRI scan coupled with a novel metric for determining prostatic urethra length may offer a solution.
The study, recently published in the Academic Radiology journal, analyzed MRIs of 361 men. It revealed that for every additional centimeter in prostatic urethra length, there was a 60% increase in the likelihood of patients experiencing urinary urgency and increased frequency. Those with a prostatic urethra length exceeding 4.6 centimeters were nearly twice as likely to develop these symptoms.
Dr. Kiran Nandalur, the principal investigator of the study and a radiologist at Corewell Health, suggests that this specific region is more susceptible to radiation doses, leading to direct inflammation. Although roughly 28% of participants experienced chronic moderate urinary side effects three years after treatment, less than 3% suffered severe symptoms.
Dr. Nandalur highlights the scarcity of known risk factors for predicting radiation side effects and emphasizes that traditional factors like radiation type and underlying medical conditions did not serve as reliable predictors. This underscores the need for innovative methods, such as MRI technology, in prostate cancer care.
While radiation therapy remains a common treatment for prostate cancer and is generally considered safe, a subset of patients experiences significant side effects that can impact their quality of life.
Dr. Nandalur believes that the novel MRI metric could empower patients with knowledge about their potential risk of developing these symptoms. Armed with this information, individuals can make more informed decisions about their treatment plans, aiming to optimize their quality of life.
Additionally, this discovery may enable doctors to explore strategies to minimize radiation exposure to the prostatic urethra, potentially reducing the incidence of side effects.
In light of these findings, Dr. Nandalur encourages patients to take a proactive approach to their health by discussing the possibility of a prostate MRI with their urologist or radiation oncologist before undergoing therapy. This diagnostic tool not only aids in diagnosing and assessing the extent of prostate cancer but also holds the promise of enhancing patients’ post-treatment quality of life.
