The impact of radiotherapy on lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with gynecologic malignancies: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of radiotherapy (RT) on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with gynecologic malignancies, focusing on those who have undergone surgical treatment. We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to June 2023 at a tertiary hospital’s outpatient polyclinic. Participants included patients with early-stage cervical cancer and endometrial cancer who received adjuvant RT post-surgery, and advanced cervical cancer patients who received primary RT. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received RT (RT (+)) and those who did not receive (RT (-)). Sociodemographic data were collected and LUTS were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS). Out of 64 patients, 38 (59%) did not receive RT and 26 (41%) received RT. The RT (+) group had significantly higher scores in filling (p=0.038), voiding (p=0.046), and incontinence (p=0.012) compared to the RT (-) group. Additionally, the RT (+) group reported a significantly lower quality of life (p=0.009). Our study found that radiotherapy is associated with increased lower urinary tract dysfunction, including symptoms in the filling, voiding, and incontinence phases. Patients who received RT also experienced a decreased quality of life compared to the RT (-) group. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive management of LUTS in patients undergoing radiotherapy for gynecologic cancers.

Keywords

• gynecologic malignancy
• endometrial cancer
• low urinary tract symptoms
• quality of life
• radiotherapy in gynecologic cancers

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