Impact of Radiotherapy on Electrolyte and Hematological Parameters in Prostate Cancer: Curative vs. Palliative Groups

Aliza Mikaeel  Mustafa; Fatiheea Fatihalla  Hassan

doi:10.18502/bccr.v16i1.18756

Aliza Mikaeel Mustafa Medical Physics Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Medical Physics and Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq.
Fatiheea Fatihalla Hassan Medical Physics Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Medical Physics and Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/bccr.v16i1.18756

Keywords: Prostate cancer, radiotherapy, electrolytes, hematological parame- ters, curative treatment, palliative care

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with ra- diotherapy being a key treatment modality. However, radiotherapy often leads to he- matological and electrolyte imbalances, adversely impacting patient outcomes.

Objective: To assess the impact of radiotherapy on electrolyte levels (sodium, potas- sium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and chloride) and hematological parameters (leukocyte, erythrocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets) in prostate cancer patients. The study also compares these effects between curative and palliative treat- ment groups.

Patients and Methods: Twenty prostate cancer patients were included in the study, divided into curative (n=10) and palliative (n=10) groups. Blood samples were col- lected before and after radiotherapy, they were analyzed using the Swelab Alpha ana- lyzer, while electrolyte levels were measured with Jokoh Ex-DS and Roche Integra 400 Plus analyzers. Patients received 3DCRT and VMAT.

Results: Significant differences were observed in calcium (p = 0.018) and phosphate (p = 0.005) levels, with higher values in the curative group. Other electrolytes (mag- nesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride) showed no significant changes. Hemato- logical analysis revealed a significant decrease in white blood cells and hemoglobin in the curative group, indicating bone marrow suppression. In contrast, the pallia- tive group demonstrated stable white blood cell levels and increased platelet counts post-treatment.

Conclusion: Radiotherapy affects biochemical and hematological parameters differ- ently in curative and palliative settings. Personalized monitoring of these parameters is essential to mitigate complications and improve patient outcomes.