Prostatic Artery Embolization for Improving Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy
This phase I trial evaluates whether prostatic artery embolization (PAE) can improve lower urinary tract symptoms in patients undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer may experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which can significantly decrease their quality of life. They may choose to undergo transurethral prostatic resection surgery for relief, but the procedure is associated with many complications. Additionally, as patients age and have associated medical comorbidities (two or more diseases at the same time), they may not be candidates for surgery. PAE uses Embosphere microspheres, tiny particles about the size of a grain of sand made of a type of gelatin, injected into a blood vessel close to the tumor to block blood flow to the tumor and reduce its size. PAE provides a minimally invasive treatment option that may effectively reduce lower urinary tract symptoms in prostate cancer patients with a low risk of side-effects. The procedure can often be performed in patients that do not qualify for surgery or otherwise prefer to avoid surgery. PAE may improve LUTS and decrease the prostate size in patients with prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy.