Outcomes after intensity-modulated versus conformal radiotherapy in older men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

There is little evidence comparing complications after intensity-modulated (IMRT) vs. three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (CRT) for prostate cancer. The study objective was to test the hypothesis that IMRT, compared with CRT, is associated with a reduction in bowel, urinary, and erectile complications in elderly men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer.

Methods and materials

We undertook an observational cohort study using registry and administrative claims data from the SEER-Medicare database. We identified men aged 65 years or older diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer in the United States between 2002 and 2004 who received IMRT (n = 5,845) or CRT (n = 6,753). The primary outcome was a composite measure of bowel complications. Secondary outcomes were com

SUBMITTER: Bekelman JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4265571 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature