Chronic radiation proctitis: tricks to prevent and treat

B.G.L. Vanneste*, L. van de Voorde, R. de Ridder, E.J. Van Limbergen, P. Lambin, E.N. van Lin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to give an overview of the measures used to prevent chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) and to provide an algorithm for the treatment of CRP. METHODS: Medical literature databases including PubMed and Medline were screened and critically analyzed for relevance in the scope of our purpose. RESULTS: CRP is a relatively frequent late side effect (5-20%) and mainly dependent on the dose and volume of irradiated rectum. Radiation treatment (RT) techniques to prevent CRP are constantly improving thanks to image-guided RT and intensity-modulated RT. Also, newer techniques like protons and new devices such as rectum spacers and balloons have been developed to spare rectal structures. Biopsies do not contribute to diagnosing CRP and should be avoided because of the risk of severe rectal wall damage, such as necrosis and fistulas. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of CRP. A variety of possibilities is available and includes topical and oral agents, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and endoscopic interventions. CONCLUSIONS: CRP has a natural history of improving over time, even without treatment. This is important to take into account when considering these treatments: first be conservative (topical and oral agents) and be aware that invasive treatments can be very toxic.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1293-1303
Number of pages11
JournalInternational Journal of Colorectal Disease
Volume30
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2015

Keywords

  • Radiotherapy
  • Radiation proctitis
  • Prevention
  • Treatment
  • ARGON PLASMA COAGULATION
  • QUALITY-OF-LIFE
  • INTENSITY-MODULATED RADIOTHERAPY
  • INDUCED HEMORRHAGIC PROCTITIS
  • POLYETHYLENE-GLYCOL HYDROGEL
  • LOCALIZED PROSTATE-CANCER
  • PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL
  • DOSE-RATE BRACHYTHERAPY
  • DOUBLE-BLIND
  • FORMALIN APPLICATION

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