Sex differences in radiation induced bladder dysfunction are more accurately captured using the ICIQ FLUTS and MLUTS questionnaires in an observational radiotherapy cohort

Shenhar C1, Chen B2, Kidd E3, Dobberfuhl A4

Research Type

Clinical

Abstract Category

Overactive Bladder

Abstract 267
ePoster 4
Scientific Open Discussion Session 20
On-Demand
Questionnaire Female Male Outcomes Research Methods Prospective Study
1. Rabin Medical Center, Div. of Urology, 2. Stanford University, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3. Stanford University, Dept. of Radiation Oncology, 4. Stanford University, Dept. of Urology
Presenter
A

Amy D Dobberfuhl
Stanford University, Dept. of Urology
Links

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study 
To examine sex differences in radiation induced bladder dysfunction following radiotherapy, men and women with storage and voiding dysfunction were prospectively enrolled in an observational cohort, enriched with women undergoing radiotherapy for cervical and endometrial cancer.
Study design, materials and methods 
There were 205 men and women consented for enrollment over the 6 month study period (May to October 2019). A total of 176 questionnaires [American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS), International Consultation on Incontinence Female / Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ FLUTS / MLUTS), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF12)] were collected. Participants with complete data were included for analysis. Primary outcome was gender differences in the storage, voiding and incontinence domains of the ICIQ questionnaires. Data were analyzed in Statistical Analysis System software (SAS, Cary, NC) using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey correction for multiple comparisons.
Results 
136 participants completed questionnaires (Non-radiated women n=52, mean age 55.4±18.5 years; Radiated women n=18, age 58.5±15.6; Non-radiated men n=55, age 57.6±18.5; Radiated men n=11, age 64.5±15.6) and had a mean time since radiation of 3,530±3,163 (median 3,142; IQR 544-5,042) days in men, and 2,615±4,171 (median 87; IQR 21-3,215) days in women. There was no significant difference in post void residual, or AUASS overall score (ANOVA p=0.294) between any groups. All domains of the AUASS failed to capture between group differences in storage and voiding dysfunction in radiated individuals, with the exception of difficulty postponing urination (ANOVA p=0.012). Non-radiated women reported significantly higher AUASS QOL score (4±1.6 versus men 2.8±1.6, ANOVA p<0.001), and did not differ significantly compared to radiated women. In the storage domain of the ICIQ there was an increase in urinary urgency (ANOVA p=0.004) after radiotherapy, with male gender protective, and no difference in nocturnal (ANOVA p=0.479) and daytime (ANOVA p=0.193) urinary frequency. In the voiding phase domain of the ICIQ, radiated men had the greatest intermittency (ANOVA p=0.048), radiated women tended to have the lowest hesitancy (ANOVA p=0.075), and there was no difference in straining (ANOVA p=0.177). Across the incontinence domains of the ICIQ, radiotherapy uniformly increased urgency incontinence (ANVOA p<0.001), and nocturnal enuresis (ANOVA p=0.016) in all radiotherapy groups, with more men reporting stress (ANOVA p<0.001) and unawareness incontinence (ANOVA p=0.002) after radiotherapy.
Interpretation of results 
The ICIQ FLUTS and MLUTS are more sensitive than the AUASS at classifying the burden of storage and voiding dysfunction in men and women following radiotherapy.
Concluding message 
Further research is needed to better classify gender specific changes in lower urinary tract function following pelvic radiotherapy.
Disclosures
Funding NIH 1L30DK115056-01, Seed Grant Clinical Trial No Subjects Human Ethics Committee Institutional IRB Protocol # 45362 Helsinki Yes Informed Consent Yes
25/10/2025 16:57:52