title: Standardized cranberry capsules for radiation cystitis in prostate cancer patients in New Zealand: a randomized double blinded, placebo controlled pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Acute radiation cystitis, inflammation of the bladder, is a common side effect in men receiving external beam radiation for prostate cancer. Although several treatments provide symptomatic relief, there is no effective treatment to prevent or treat radiation cystitis. Cranberry products have been associated with urinary tract health. This study aimed to determine the effect of highly standardized cranberry capsules (containing 72 mg proanthocyanidins [PACS]) compared with that of placebo capsules on the incidence and severity of radiation cystitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-one men with prostate cancer participated in a double blinded randomized placebo controlled study. Men took one capsule a day at breakfast during treatment and for 2 weeks after treatment completion. Severity of urinary symptoms and the bother these caused were measured using the individual items of the urinary domain of the Modified Expanded Prostate Index Composite (EPIC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of cystitis was lower in men taking cranberry capsules (65%) compared with those that took placebo capsules (90%) (p = 0.058); severe cystitis was seen in 30% of men in the cranberry arm and 45% in the placebo arm (p = 0.30). Overall, the incidence of pain/burning was significantly lower in the cranberry cohort (p = 0.045). Men on the low hydration regimen who took cranberry had less pain/burning (p = 0.038), stronger urine steam (p = 0.030) and used significantly fewer pads/liners (p = 0.042), which was significantly different from those on the high hydration regimen (p = 0.028).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Men receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer may benefit from using cranberry capsules, particularly those on low hydration regimens or with baseline urinary symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Radiation Oncology Department, Southern Blood and Cancer Centre, Dunedin Hospital, P.O. Box 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Katelin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.forename: Noelle C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Purdie
authors.forename: Patries M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Herst
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003556:Cystitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010919:Placebos; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D029799:Vaccinium macrocarpon
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D028321:Plant Preparations