Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate hematuria-free survival as well as acute and late toxicity after hypofractionated palliative radiotherapy for bladder cancer.
Methods and materials: Between September 2004 and January 2013, 44 patients with biopsy-proven urothelial carcinoma of the bladder were irradiated according to a palliative schedule to a total dose of 34.5 Gy in six fractions of 5.75 Gy given once a week.
Results: After a mean follow-up of 10 months, 91% of patients were still hematuria free, with a mean hematuria-free survival of 13 months. Severe (≥ grade 3) acute and late urinary toxicity was observed in 9 and 19% of patients, respectively.
Conclusion: This hypofractionated radiotherapy schedule appears to result in acceptable toxicity and manages successful and long-term palliation of hematuria in most patients.
Keywords: Altered fractionation; Bladder cancer; Palliation; Radiotherapy.