Prospective study on acute toxicities of external beam radiotherapy in the management of pelvic malignancies in Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Radiation therapy is key to the management of pelvic malignancies. It not only induces cellular death in target organs but also results in adverse effects on the surrounding structures. These side effects are classified as acute or late toxicities based on the timing of its occurrence from the treatment time. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern and management of radiation side effects in pelvic cancer patients treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBR) at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Methodology: This study was carried out on pelvic cancers patients treated with curative intent over 6 months. The weekly review of treatment related toxicities were graded using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria and analyzed. Results: A total of 106 patients aged between 32 and 83 years were studied. Mean age was 59.2 years and M: F of 3:7. The most common pelvic malignancy seen was cervical cancer in 50.9% of cases; prostate cancer in 17.0%, and endometrial cancer in 15.1%. The most common acute adverse event was perineal skin desquamation in 73.5% patients, genitourinary toxicities in 66% of patients, hematological derangements in 41.5% patients, and gastrointestinal toxicities in 37.7%. Grades 1 and 2 toxicities were the usual complaints in 62.1% patients and severe toxicities (G3 and 4) in 37.9%. Conclusion: Mild-to-moderate acute radiation induced toxicities is a common occurrence following EBR of pelvic cancer. Conservative management of these toxicities makes EBR tolerable and prevents treatment interruption.