Non-prostate Genitourinary Tumor And Radiotherapy

Genitourinary tumor includes tumors originated from kidney, ureter, bladder, urethral, and genital organs. Retroperitoneal tumors are also included in this field. But treatment of prostate cancer is usually discussed separately. Risk factors of these tumors are smoking, carcinogenic chemicals, and renal dialysis. These tumors may cause hematuria or flank pain. Radical surgery is the first choice of the treatment. Radiotherapy is used to enhance tumor control or preserve specific organ. 

Proton therapy and Non-prostate Genitourinary Tumor 

Since the treatment area is usually close to stomach, intestine, liver, and kidney,? photon radiotherapy usually irradiates these critical organs and causes complications. Besides, radiation may increase the risk of secondary cancer , especially in young patients. Proton therapy has better radiation dose distribution, and radiation dose delivered to normal organs can be reduced. According to currently available studies, proton therapy can significantly reduce radiation dose delivered to abdominal organs; the risk of complications may be reduced. And the risk of second cancer can reduce the risk from 4% (estimation of photon radiotherapy) to less than 1%.

Proton therapy clinical study

Proton therapy needs highest quality t, so it should be performed as clinical studies. Clinical study is not using a new treatment which was never used before. It is a standardized treatment which is carried out with strict rules and optimal monitoring. When patients are going to receive proton therapy, they will enter a prospective observation study. In addition to the treatment and monitoring procedures, other necessary examinations and quality of life questionnaires will also be provided. With such a global surveillance, the treatment quality can be kept to achieve best result.

Proton therapy process

Proton therapy for genitourinary tract tumor takes about 15-30 minutes a day, five days a week, for 4 to 7 weeks. Severity of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and others, varies individually. Compared to photon radiotherapy, incidence and severity of complications can be reduced, and patients have higher chance to maintain good condition and are more likely return to normal life earlier. Of course, proton therapy may not be suitable for every patients with genitourinary or retroperitoneal tumor. For indications of proton therapy or other questions, we welcome you to discuss with medical staff in our department.

• Articles maintained byDr. Wei-Heng Kao