ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses common radiation-induced complications, using patient-reported outcomes whenever possible, with an understanding that observational studies provide useful information as well. Most of the available data are based on conformal radiotherapy (CRT) and the reader must understand that over time we will need to re-evaluate our health-related quality-of-life expectations as radiotherapy delivery becomes more refined. Portions of the anterior rectal wall, by virtue of their relationship to the posterior edge of the prostate, receive full-dose radiotherapy in patients treated for prostate cancer. Bladder dysfunction, while more common than rectal dysfunction, is clearly less bothersome to patients and less well studied. However, this does not mean that it is less important. The pathophysiology of radiation effect on the bladder and urethra is not well studied. Presumably, the same types of changes that one sees with rectal biopsy would also be seen in the bladder during or after radiation in patients with symptoms.
