Normal tissue radiation toxicity in radiotherapy of localized prostatic cancer

Radical radiotherapy of prostate cancer has to balance tumour control against the risk of radiation injury of normal tissue. The normal tissue toxicity is the main dose-limiting factor, and consequently a limiting factor of the curative potential of prostate cancer by irradiation. The SOMA scale is a new toxicity scoring system that registers late side effects from the most important anatomical sites. The SOMA scale is internationally approved and facilitates a standardised evaluation of radiation toxicity. The scoring system is based on four main components: subjective, objective, management and analysis. The SOMA scoring system was applied to a group of 21 patients from Ullevaal Hospital who were given intentionally curative radiation therapy for localised prostate cancer. The SOMA scale scoring system appears to be a valuable tool in the evaluation of normal tissue toxicity. It may contribute to a new standard in quality assurance of radiation therapy of prostate cancer.