Evaluation of radiation cystitis treatment efficacy with glycosaminoglycan replenishment therapy

Background. Radiation cystitis is a severe late consequence of radiation therapy of pelvic malignancies. Destruction of glycosaminoglycan’s protective barrier (GAG-layer) plays key role in pathogenesis of radiation cystitis. Hence, GAG-replenishment therapy could be a promised method of treatment the radiation cystitis.

The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of glycosaminoglycan replacement therapy of chronic radiation cystitis using bladder instillation.

 Materials and methods. 23 female patients with radiation cystitis participated in the retrospective study. They have been randomized divided on two groups. Patients of the 1st group have been treated with intravesical administration of 0,08 % sodium hyaluronate alone, 2nd group – with intravesical sodium hyaluronate in combination with oral sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate.

Results. Patients of both groups demonstrated less frequency and pain after treatment as well as increased bladder volume. Intravesical administration of glycosaminoglycans in combination with oral administration was more effective than intravesical therapy alone.

Conclusions. GAG-replenishment therapy is a promised treatment options of radiation cystitis. Oral and intravesical GAG-replenishment therapy is more effective in comparison with only intravesical therapy.