The role of radiation in urological malignancies

Abstract

Radiation therapy (RT) is a vital component of treatment for many urologic malignancies including prostate cancer, where advancements in RT technique have improved outcomes without adding toxicity. In bladder cancers, use of concurrent chemoradiation therapy and surgery for salvage has yielded survival equivalent to up-front cystectomy with preservation of the bladder. In patients with stage I-II testicular seminomas, RT utilization has been refined to limit unnecessary exposure. The role of RT is not well defined in the management of penile and urethral cancers; however, the literature supports its use as an organ-preserving treatment approach.