Patients who undergo external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer and smoke or have smoked have increased mortality and increased risk of complications, according to Dr. Emily Steinberger and her associates.
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Current smoking significantly increased the risk of prostate-specific antigen relapse, distant metastases, and prostate cancer–related death. Current and former smokers were also at a higher risk of external beam radiation therapy–related genitourinary disorders. Smoking did not increase gastrointestinal toxicity, the researchers reported.
Oncologists should encourage patients to participate in smoking-cessation programs before therapy to potentially lower their risk, the researchers recommended.
Read the full article at BJU International (doi:10.1111/bju.12969).