Lower urinary tract infections from external beam radiation therapy in prostate cancer: A single institution experience

Abstract

External beam radiation therapy (EMRT) is effective for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Lower urinary tract infections (LUTIs) are considered one of the main possible adverse events related to External beam radiation therapy. Here we analyzed the incidence of LUTI during EMRT. Urinary tract infection was assumed when the findings of bacteriuria exceeded 100,000 units/mL, accompanied by specific cystitis symptoms. Among the total 540 analyzed patient, 208 (38.5%) developed a LUTI. E. coli was the main microorganism involved in LUTIs (102, 49.04%) with 8 cases of a combination between E. coli and another germ. In conclusion, a risk of urinary infections in cancer patients treated with pelvic radiotherapy was observed, in order to reduce the use of antibiotic resistance, preventive treatment with non-antibiotic agents 5 are warranted.