Urologie pro praxi 4/2021

Hyaluronic acid: prevention and treatment of urological toxicity in cancer therapy

Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally occurring in the human body. It is part of the glycosaminoglycan layer found on the surface of the bladder urothelium and in eye and joint fluids. This type of agent is administered directly into the bladder and expected to temporarily replace the glycosaminoglycan layer therein which may be damaged in patients with interstitial cystitis. The effect of hyaluronic acid is pluripotent, being used both in preventing the toxic effects of cancer treatment, particularly of radiotherapy, and in treating chronic lower urinary tract infections caused by bacteria and/or autoimmunity in the case of interstitial cystitis.

Keywords: hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycan layer, recurrent urinary tract infection, anticancer treatment toxicity.