Radiation-induced changes

Definition

• The primary effect of radiation therapy is the damage of endothelial cells, which causes ischemia that leads to atrophy.

• Radiation-induced changes on prostatic tissue are variable, more severe, and durable when delivered as interstitial seed implants (brachytherapy) than by external beam, and also vary with the dose and duration of the irradiation.

• Changes associated with radiation may persist for years after the final radiation treatment.

Clinical features