Late radiation cystitis after treatment for carcinoma of the bladder

Between 1978 and 1982, 88 patients were treated with radiotherapy at the University of the Witwatersrand Hospitals for carcinoma of the bladder. They were followed up for evidence of cystitis (i.e. frequency, urgency, nocturia, dysuria, haematuria). Those with persistent symptoms underwent cystoscopy. Biopsies were taken of areas suspicious of residual or recurrent tumour. The total incidence of late bladder complications was 11 (12,5%). Of these 11 patients, 6 had persistent or recurrent tumour. The implications of this are discussed.