Systematic review for non-surgical interventions for the management of late radiation proctitis

Microbiota as the unifying factor behind the hallmarks of cancer

The human microbiota is a complex ecosystem that colonizes body surfaces and interacts with host organ systems, especially the immune system. Since the composition of this ecosystem depends on a variety of internal and external factors, each individual harbors a unique set of microbes. These differences in microbiota composition make individuals either more or less susceptible to various diseases, including cancer. Specific microbes are associated with cancer etiology and pathogenesis and several mechanisms of how they drive the typical hallmarks of cancer were recently identified. Although most microbes reside in the distal gut, they can influence cancer initiation and progression in distant tissues, as well as modulate the outcomes of established cancer therapies. Here, we describe the mechanisms by which microbes influence carcinogenesis and discuss their current and potential future applications in cancer diagnostics and management.

Short-Chain Fatty-Acid-Producing Bacteria: Key Components of the Human Gut Microbiota

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play a key role in health and disease, as they regulate gut homeostasis and their deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of several disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer, and cardiometabolic disorders. SCFAs are metabolites of specific bacterial taxa of the human gut microbiota, and their production is influenced by specific foods or food supplements, mainly prebiotics, by the direct fostering of these taxa. This Review provides an overview of SCFAs' roles and functions, and of SCFA-producing bacteria, from their microbiological characteristics and taxonomy to the biochemical process that lead to the release of SCFAs. Moreover, we will describe the potential therapeutic approaches to boost the levels of SCFAs in the human gut and treat different related diseases.

Argon plasma coagulation therapy in hemorrhagic radiation proctitis following pelvic radiation in gynecological malignancies

Introduction

Chronic radiation proctitis is a common chronic complication of malignant pelvic diseases after pelvic radiation therapy. Although, the incidence has decreased after advent of intensity-modulated radiotherapy due to better control of radiation dose to rectum. In the era of conventional two-field radiotherapy to pelvis, this was a common complication usually presenting after 1-2 years of treatment completion. Rectal bleeding caused by radiation proctitis is difficult to manage. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is an electrocoagulation technique that appears to be an effective and low-cost alternative to the use of lasers in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of APC, as well as patients' tolerance of the procedure, in the treatment of bleeding radiation-induced proctitis.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2015 and August 2017, 29 patients of cancer cervix treated with definite radiotherapy both external and brachytherapy who suffered from rectal bleeding due to radiation proctitis were included for treatment with argon plasma laser (APC). Twenty-three patients suffered from anemia, 16 of whom required blood transfusion. APC was performed, applying the no-touch spotting technique at an electrical power of 40 Watt and an argon gas flow of 1.5-2.0 l/min. Pulse duration was <0.5 s. Treatment sessions were carried out at intervals of 3 weeks. Subjects received 2-4 treatment sessions.

Results

Twenty-eight out of 29 patients were accessible for effects and results. APC led to persistent clinical and endoscopic remission of rectal bleeding after a median of three sessions. No adverse effects were encountered after initial treatment. All the patients were in complete remission.

Conclusions

APC is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for rectal bleeding caused by chronic radiation proctitis. It should be considered as a first-line therapy for radiation proctitis.

Administration of modified Gegen Qinlian decoction for hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) is a common late complication of irradiation of the pelvis and seriously impairs life quality. There is no standard treatment for hemorrhagic CRP. Medical treatment, interventional treatment, and surgery are available, but they are limited in their applications due to nondefinite efficacy or side effects. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), as a complementary or alternative therapy, may provide another option for hemorrhagic CRP treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

A 51-year-old woman with cervical cancer received intensity-modulated radiation therapy and brachytherapy with a total dose of 93 Gy fifteen days after hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy. She received six additional cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Nine months after radiotherapy treatment, she mainly complained of 5-6 times diarrhea daily and bloody purulent stools for over 10 d. After colonoscopy examinations, she was diagnosed with hemorrhagic CRP with a giant ulcer. After assessment, she received CHM treatment. The specific regimen was 150 mL of modified Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) used as a retention enema for 1 mo, followed by replacement with oral administration of 150 mL of modified GQD three times per day for 5 mo. After the whole treatment, her diarrhea reduced to 1-2 times a day. Her rectal tenesmus and mild pain in lower abdomen disappeared. Both colonoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed its significant improvement. During treatment, there were no side effects, such as liver and renal function damage.

CONCLUSION

Modified GQD may be another effective and safe option for hemorrhagic CRP patients with giant ulcers.

Radiation in Gastroenterology

The benefit of radiation is immense in the field of gastroenterology. Radiation is used daily in different gastrointestinal imaging and diagnostic and therapeutic interventional procedures. Radiotherapy is one of the primary modalities of treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. There are various modalities of radiotherapy. Radiotherapy can injure malignant cells by directly damaging DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids and indirectly by forming free radicals. External beam radiation, internal beam radiation and radio-isotope therapy are the major ways of delivering radiation to the malignant tissue. Radiation can also cause inflammation, fibrosis, organ dysfunction, and malignancy. Patients with repeated exposure to radiation for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures are at slightly increased risk of malignancy. Gastrointestinal endoscopists performing fluoroscopy-guided procedures are also at increased risk of malignancy and cataract formation. The radiological protection society recommends certain preventive and protective measures to avoid side effects of radiation. Gastrointestinal complications related to radiation therapy for oncologic processes, and exposure risks for patients and health care providers involved in diagnostic or therapeutic imaging will be discussed in this review.

Therapeutics in Radiation-induced Proctopathy: A Systematic Review

Malignant neoplasms are increasingly prevalent in the daily clinical practice. Up to 61% of patients with pelvic malignancies undergo pelvic radiotherapy in different doses, which may cause intestinal damage, and the rectum is the segment most frequently affected due to its fixed position in the pelvis. Currently, there are several strategies to minimize the effects of radiation on the tissues surrounding the neoplastic site; despite those strategies, radiotherapy can still result in serious damage to organs and structures, and these injuries accompany patients throughout their lives. One of the most common damages resulting from pelvic radiotherapy is acute proctitis.The diagnosis is confirmed by visualizing the rectal mucosa through rigid or flexible rectosigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. The objective of the present study was to review the forms of radiation-induced proctopathytherapy, and to evaluate the results of each method to propose a standardization for the treatment of this pathology. Despite the prevalence of radiation-induced proctopathy, there is no definitive standardized treatment strategy so far. The first approach can be tried with local agents, such as mesalazine and formalin. For refractory cases, control can usually be achieved with argon plasma coagulation, hyperbaric oxygen, and radiofrequency ablation therapies. Regarding the study of radiation-induced proctopathy, there is a lack of robust studies with large samples and standardized therapies to be compared. There is a lack of double-blinded, randomized controlled studies to determine a definitive standard treatment algorithm.

Pelvic Radiation Disease

Pelvic radiation is increasingly being used for the neoadjuvant and definitive treatment of pelvic organ malignancy. While this treatment can be highly effective, and may assist in organ sparing, it is also associated with significant toxicity and devastating adverse events that need to be considered. In broad terms, pelvic radiation disease affects both the primary target organ as well as adjacent organs and soft tissue structures, with complications that can be classified and graded according to consensus criteria. The complication grade is often modality, dose, and area dependent. The most common manifestations are proctitis, cystitis, recto-urethral fistula, ureteric stricture, and bone involvement. Toxicity can be misdiagnosed for many years, resulting in significant management delays. Complications can be difficult to prevent and challenging to treat, requiring specialized multi-disciplinary input to achieve the best possible strategy to minimize impact and improve patient quality of life.

Endoscopic cryotherapy: Indications, techniques, and outcomes involving the gastrointestinal tract

Endoscopic cryotherapy is a technique utilized for the ablation of target tissue within the gastrointestinal tract. A cryotherapy system utilizes the endoscopic application of cryogen such as liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide or liquid nitrous oxide. This leads to disruption of cell membranes, apoptosis, and thrombosis of local blood vessels within the target tissue. Several trials utilizing cryotherapy for Barrett's esophagus (BE) with variable dysplasia, gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), esophageal carcinoma, radiation proctitis, and metastatic esophageal carcinomas have shown safety and efficacy. More recently, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy (cryodilation) was shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of a benign esophageal stricture which was refractory to dilations, steroid injections, and stenting. Moreover, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is associated with less post procedure pain as compared to radiofrequency ablation in BE with comparable ablation rates. In patients with GAVE, cryotherapy was found to be less tedious as compared to argon plasma coagulation. Adverse events from cryotherapy most commonly include chest pain, esophageal strictures, and bleeding. Gastric perforations did occur as well, but less often. In summary, endoscopic cryotherapy is a promising and growing field, which was first demonstrated in BE, but the use now spans for several other disease processes. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed before its role can be established for these different diseases.

Management of Long-Term Toxicity From Pelvic Radiation Therapy

Pelvic radiation therapy is an integral component in the treatment of various gastrointestinal, gynecologic, and genitourinary cancers. As survival rates from these malignancies improve, the prevalence of toxicity secondary to pelvic radiation has increased. Gastrointestinal toxicities are the most common complications and greatly impact quality of life. Toxicities can present in acute or late stages; although symptoms may be similar during both, the management may differ. Acute toxicities represent an inflammatory reaction in response to the radiation exposure, whereas late toxicities may arise as a result of small vessel disease, ischemia, and fibrosis. Currently, there are no large clinical trials and only limited guidelines on the management of late gastrointestinal radiation toxicities. Therapy is generally approached in a stepwise manner from medical to endoscopic to surgical methods. Several endoscopic therapies, such as the treatment of radiation proctitis with argon plasma coagulation and dilation of radiation bowel strictures, may prevent the need for surgical intervention, which may be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given that late toxicities can occur years after radiation therapy, they are often difficult to recognize and diagnose. Successful management of late toxicities requires recognition, an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, and a multidisciplinary approach. More dedicated research could clarify the prevalence of gastrointestinal pelvic radiation toxicities, permit a better understanding of the efficacy and safety profile of current therapies, and allow for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Aloe vera for Prevention of Acute Radiation Proctitis in Colorectal Cancer a Preliminary Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To examine the preventive effects of Aloe vera in colorectal cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Twenty colorectal cancer patients, who received radiation, were randomized to receive Aloe vera 3% or placebo ointment, 1 g twice daily for 6 weeks. At weekly visits, acute radiation proctitis (ARP) was evaluated by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and clinical presentation criteria as the primary endpoint. We also evaluated secondary endpoints of quality of life, psychosocial status, by applying Hospital Anxiety-Depression (HAD) Scale and laboratory measures of quantitative measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker for systemic inflammation.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in the symptom index (before treatment vs. after treatment with Aloe vera) for diarrhea (p = 0.029, median score: 0.5 vs. 0.001). The overall primary and secondary outcomes favored Aloe group, while the measures of toxicity did not achieve a statistical significant difference. The lifestyle score improved significantly with A. vera (p = 004), and they also had a lower depression score in HAD scale (p = 0.008). Furthermore, quantitative CRP decreased significantly during the course of treatment with Aloe vera.

CONCLUSION

The use of topical formulation of Aloe vera 3% diminishes the severity of ARP in colorectal cancer patients.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the sucralfate in diversion colitis

Sucralfate enemas present good results in the treatment of colitis, however the mechanism of action of the drug is not yet fully clarified.

Objective To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of sucralfate enemas in diversion colitis model.

Method Thirty-six Wistar rats underwent intestinal bypass by end colostomy in the descending colon and distal mucous fistula. The animals were divided into 3 experimental groups according to the daily dose of enemas received containing 0.9% SF, sucralfate enemas or sucralfate enemas 1 g/kg/day or 2 g/kg/day. Each group was divided into two subgroups according to euthanasia to be performed 2–4 weeks after derivation. The tissue grade of inflammation was assessed histologically, and neutrophil infiltration by the tissue expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) identified by immunohistochemistry and quantified by computerized morphometry. Oxidative stress was measured by tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). To compare the results the Student's t test variance was used, and also the variance by ANOVA test, establishing a level of significance of 5% (p < 0.05) for both.

Results The intervention with sucralfate enemas showed improvement in the intensity of tissue inflammation related to the concentration used and the duration of the intervention. Intervention with sucralfate enemas reduced the tissue levels of MPO, independent of concentration or time of intervention (p < 0.01). There was a reduction of MDA levels in animals irrigated with sucralfate enemas, independent of concentration or duration of the intervention (p < 0.01).

Conclusion Enemas with sucralfate enemas reduce inflammation, neutrophil infiltration and oxidative stress in the excluded colon suggesting topical application of the substance to be a valid therapeutic option for the treatment of diversion colitis.

Evaluation of sucralfate enema in experimental diversion colitis

Diversion colitis (DC) is an inflammatory disease that develops in segments with fecal diversion. Sucralfate (SCF) complex, which consists of sucrose octasulfate and polyaluminum hydroxide, has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of different forms of colitis. However, until now, the effects of SCF have not been evaluated in DC.

Objective to evaluate whether the use of enemas containing SFC improves histological findings in experimental DC.

Methods Thirty-six rats underwent right colon bypass procedure through the creation of a proximal colostomy and a distal mucous fistula. The animals were divided into two groups according to the euthanization procedure to be performed two to four weeks after surgery. Each experimental group was divided into three subgroups of six animals, which were submitted to daily application of enemas containing saline solution 0.9% or SCF at concentrations of 1.0 g/kg/day or 2.0 g/kg/day, respectively. The diagnosis of DC in segments with fecal diversion was established by histopathological study considering the following

variables epithelial loss, formation of crypt abscesses, the population of goblet cells, inflammatory infiltrate and presence of fibrosis. For statistical analysis, the nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used, with a significance level of 5% (p <0.05).

Results It was observed that the daily application of SCF enemas decreased epithelial loss, formation of colon crypt abscesses, inflammatory infiltrate and tissue fibrosis (p <0.05), unrelated to time of intervention. The intervention with SCF preserves the goblet cell population. The effects of the substance on the preservation of colonic epithelium; the decrease in the inflammatory process and subsequent abscess formation in the colon crypts are associated with the concentration used, whereas tissue fibrosis decrease is associated with the concentration and time of intervention.

Conclusion Preventive application of SCF enemas reduces the inflammatory process in the colon with fecal diversion

A Case Series of Radiation-induced Hemorrhagic Gastroduodenitis

Objective We examined the clinical course and treatment method of a case series of radiation-induced hemorrhagic gastroduodenitis with clinical signs. Methods This was a single-center retrospective observational study. Patients We included seven patients with radiation-induced hemorrhagic gastroduodenitis treated at our hospital between April 2014 and May 2020. Results One male patient each had cancer of the head of the pancreas, bile duct cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ureteral cancer, whereas two women had recurrent endometrial cancer and one woman had recurrent cervical cancer. The onset occurred 3-5 months after the end of radiation treatment. Endoscopic examinations showed a red edematous mucous membrane in a fragile condition stretching from the antrum of the stomach to the duodenum, with telangiectasia and ulcer. For endoscopic hemostasis, five patients underwent argon plasma coagulation (APC), which was successful in three patients. Two of these were being administered an antithrombotic at the time. One case resistant to conservative treatment required repeated transfusion for recurring hemorrhaging over a short period of time and therefore underwent surgical treatment. Thereafter, the postoperative course was favorable. Conclusions Actively attempting hemostasis through APC and surgery is effective for treating radiation-induced hemorrhagic gastroduodenitis. The use of an antithrombotic agent might lead to a risk of repeated hemorrhaging. Therefore, repeated hemostasis through APC is crucial.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Novel Treatment for Hemorrhagic Radiation Proctitis

Background:

Various methods have been used for treatment of hemorrhagic radiation proctitis (HRP) with variable results. Currently, the preferred treatment is formalin application or endoscopic therapy with argon plasma coagulation. Recently, a novel therapy with colonic water irrigation and oral antibiotics showed promising results and more effective compared to 4% formalin application for HRP. The study objective is to compare the effect of water irrigation and oral antibiotics versus 4% formalin application in improving per rectal bleeding due to HRP and related symptoms such as diarrhoea, tenesmus, stool frequency, stool urgency and endoscopic findings.

Methods:

We conducted a study on 34 patients with HRP and randomly assigned the patients to two treatment arm groups (n=17). The formalin group underwent 4% formalin dab and another session 4 weeks later. The irrigation group self-administered daily rectal irrigation at home for 8 weeks and consumed oral metronidazole and ciprofloxacin during the first one week. We measured the patients’ symptoms and endoscopic findings before and after total of 8 weeks of treatment in both groups.

Results:

Our study showed that HRP patients had reduced per rectal bleeding (p = 0.003) in formalin group, whereas irrigation group showed reduced diarrhoea (p=0.018) and tenesmus (p=0.024) symptoms. The comparison between the two treatment arms showed that irrigation technique was better than formalin technique for tenesmus (p=0.043) symptom only.

Conclusion:

This novel treatment showed benefit in treating HRP. It could be a new treatment option which is safe and conveniently self-administered at home or used as a combination with other therapies to improve the treatment outcome for HRP.

Scaffold-Free Bio-3D Printing Using Spheroids as "Bio-Inks" for Tissue (Re-)Construction and Drug Response Tests

In recent years, scaffold-free bio-3D printing using cell aggregates (spheroids) as "bio-inks" has attracted increasing attention as a method for 3D cell construction. Bio-3D printing uses a technique called the Kenzan method, wherein spheroids are placed one-by-one in a microneedle array (the "Kenzan") using a bio-3D printer. The bio-3D printer is a machine that was developed to perform bio-3D printing automatically. Recently, it has been reported that cell constructs can be produced by a bio-3D printer using spheroids composed of many types of cells and that this can contribute to tissue (re-)construction. This progress report summarizes the production and effectiveness of various cell constructs prepared using bio-3D printers. It also considers the future issues and prospects of various cell constructs obtained by using this method for further development of scaffold-free 3D cell constructions.

Application of 4% formaldehyde under electronic colonoscope as a minimally invasive treatment of chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the effectiveness of topical application of 4% formaldehyde as a minimally invasive treatment of rectal bleeding due to chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) under direct vision of electronic colonoscope.

METHODS

The clinical data of 13 CRP patients complicated with ≥ grade II bleeding admitted to our hospital between January 2003 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Under the guidance of electronic colonoscope, 4% formaldehyde combined with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) suppositories was topically applied. Patients were followed up for two months after treatment, and the therapeutic effectiveness was observed and analyzed.

RESULTS

The rectal bleeding due to CRP was markedly reduced after topical application of 4% formaldehyde under colonoscope in all 13 patients. The bleeding stopped after one treatment session in 11 patients and after the second session in 2 patients. 5-ASA was also applied along with the use of 4% formaldehyde. The therapeutic effectiveness was satisfactory during the 1- and 2-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Topical application of 4% formaldehyde under the direct vision of colonoscope as a minimally invasive treatment for CRB-induced bleeding is a simple, effective, affordable, and repeatable technique without obvious complications, which deserves further exploration and promotion.

The role of endoscopic evaluation for radiation proctitis in patients receiving intermediate-dose postoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer

Objectives

High-dose pelvic radiotherapy (RT) is known to be associated with chronic radiation proctitis (RP). However, the effects of intermediate radiation doses are unknown. We assessed the incidence of late clinical RP among patients with rectal cancer receiving intermediate-dose postoperative RT, as well as the role of early endoscopic abnormalities in predicting RP development.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 153 patients with rectal cancer who received postoperative RT at a median dose of 54 Gy between 2005 and 2009 and who underwent endoscopic examination within 12 months thereafter. Endoscopic RP was assessed using the Vienna rectoscopy score (VRS). Late clinical RP toxicity was evaluated, as was its correlation with endoscopic RP.

Results

All patients underwent an endoscopic examination at a median of 9 months after postoperative pelvic RT. Endoscopic RP was detected in 45 patients (29.4%); the predominant patterns were telangiectasia and congested mucosa. During the median 88-month follow-up period, 29 patients (19.0%) experienced late clinical RP; only 3 (2.0%) had Grade 3 or above. The VRS predicted the development of late clinical RP as well as its cumulative incidence (P < 0.001). Endoscopic evidence of telangiectasia was significantly associated with the development of late clinical RP (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Early endoscopic findings using VRS are useful for predicting the possibility of late clinical RP, although the incidences of severe cases were low. Patients with endoscopic abnormalities should be followed closely owing to their susceptibility to clinical RP.

FAK alleviates radiation-induced rectal injury by decreasing apoptosis

Radiation-induced rectal injury is closely related with radiotherapy efficiency. Here, we investigated the effect of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in radiation-induced rectal injury. Peripheral blood samples of patients with rectal cancer were collected prior to radiotherapy. Differentially expressed genes and copy number variations (CNVs) were analyzed by microarray analysis. The CTCAE v3.0 toxicity grades were used to assess acute rectal injury. The radiosensitivity of human intestinal epithelial crypt (HIEC) cells were assayed by colony formation, mitochondrial membrane potential, flow cytometry and western blotting. The rectums of C57BL/6 mice were X-irradiated locally with a single dose of 15 Gy. The effect of FAK on radiation-induced injury was investigated by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). FAK mRNA level was inversely correlated with rectal injury severity in patient samples. A CNV amplification located on chromosome 8 was closely related with FAK. Further functional assays revealed increased levels of γH2AX expression and apoptosis-related proteins in FAK-silenced HIEC cells. The ratio of TUNEL, cl-caspase-3, cyto-c and bax/bcl-2 expression in the rectum mucosa treated with a FAK inhibitor increased significantly. These results demonstrated that FAK reduced radiation-induced rectal injury by decreasing apoptosis.

Radiation-induced rectovaginal fistulas in locally advanced gynaecological malignancies-new patients, old problem?

PURPOSE

Radiation-induced rectovaginal fistula (RI-RVF) is a chronic and serious condition with a significant influence on quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of rectovaginal fistulas of patients previously undergoing radiotherapy.

METHODS

Fifty patients treated in the Gynaecological Radiotherapy Unit for gynaecologic malignancy and in the Department of General and Colorectal Surgery for RI-RVF between 2003 and 2013 were enrolled into a prospectively maintained database and underwent regular follow-up examinations in an outpatient clinic, during which surgical outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Median age was 60 years (range 40-84 years). Cervical cancer was the most common cause of radiotherapy. Median time of fistula development after radiotherapy was 20 months (range 5-240 months). In 48 (96%) patients, only faecal diversion could be performed, while two patients underwent rectal resection. The fistula healed in six patients. Factors that correlated with fistula healing were a distance from the anal verge above 7 cm (p = 0.007 OR 18 95%CI 2.2609-14.3062) and creation of loop ileostomy (p = 0.08 OR 17 95%CI 1.2818-23.9701), whereas a prolonged course of radiotherapy of more than 6 weeks (p = 0.047) correlated negatively. In multivariate analysis, only distance from the anal verge remained significant (p = 0.031 OR 2.35 95%CI 1.0422-5.2924).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of radiation-induced rectovaginal fistulas needs to be tailored individually to each patient. Faecal diversion remains the simplest and safest method of treating RI-RVF, especially in the group of patients who cannot undergo complicated surgical procedures, and offers acceptable quality of life.

Efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation in the management of extensive chronic radiation proctitis after pelvic radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) usually develops 90 days or more after radiation. Currently, there is no standard available for the treatment of CRP. In argon plasma coagulation, monopolar diathermy is used to ionise the argon gas which coagulates the telengiectatic vessels in a noncontact fashion. However, there are very few studies which have reported its use in extensive CRP. We report the efficacy and safety of APC in seven patients with recurrent, extensive grade 3 radiation proctitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of patients treated with argon plasma coagulation in our institute from June 2013 to June 2016. After adequate bowel preparation, patients underwent APC at an average power of 50 W with flow rate of 5 L/min. All the visible telangiectasia was ablated which required many sittings.

RESULTS

The median RPSAS symptom score for frequency of bleeding at enrolment was 5 (range 3-5). After completion of APC, the median RPSAS symptom score for frequency of bleeding decreased to 1. The median RPSAS symptom score for severity of bleeding was 5 (range 3-5). After completion of APC, the mean RPSAS symptom score for severity of bleeding decreased to 1. Mean haemoglobin level before treatment was 5.43 g/dl (SD 2.37). Mean haemoglobin level after treatment was10.04 g/dl (SD 2.0). Compared with pre-treatment levels after APC, there was a mean increase in haemoglobin of 4.61 + 1.78 [95% CI 2.97-6.25, p = 0.00].

CONCLUSION

Argon plasma coagulation is a safe, well tolerated and effective treatment option in extensive chronic radiation proctitis which is refractory to medical management.

The surgical management of radiation proctopathy

BACKGROUND

There is sparse evidence guiding the optimum surgical management of patients with radiation proctopathy (RP). The purpose of this review is to analyse all the literature on the surgical management of RP in order to guide physicians and surgeons as to when and what surgery should be employed for these patients.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Ovid, and Cochrane Library using the MeSH terms "radiation proctopathy", "proctitis", "surgical management", and related terms as keywords was performed. The review included all articles that reported on the surgical management of patients with radiation proctopathy. All relevant articles were cross-referenced for further articles and any unavailable online were retrieved from hard-copy archive libraries. Eighteen studies including one prospective cohort study, fifteen retrospective cohort studies, and three small case series are included.

CONCLUSION

Surgery is indicated for patients with RP for rectal obstruction, perforation, fistulae, or a failure of medical measures to control the symptoms of RP. Surgery centres mainly on diversion version resection. Diversion alone does not remove the damaged tissue leaving the patient at risk of continued complications including bleeding, perforation, occlusion, and abscess formation; however, major resectional surgery carries higher risks. Morbidity and mortality vary 0-44% and 0-11% for diversion only versus 0-100% and 0-14% for resectional surgery. There is no universally agreed surgical first-line approach. The data supports both resection with defunctioning stoma or diversion only as reasonable first-line surgical options for patients requiring surgery for RP.

Successful Treatment of Acute Radiation Proctitis with Aloe Vera: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Acute radiation proctitis (ARP) is a common side-effect that affects up to 50% of patients receiving radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of a topical preparation of Aloe vera in the treatment of ARP induced by radiotherapy of pelvic area.

SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS

In this double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 20 consecutive patients with ARP after external-beam radiation therapy (46-72 Gy) of pelvic malignancies were randomized to receive either Aloe vera 3% or placebo ointment, 1 g twice daily for 4 weeks. These patients presented with at least two of the following symptoms: rectal bleeding, abdominal/rectal pain, diarrhea, or fecal urgency. These symptoms were rated by the patients in terms of their severity (grade 0-4) for each of the symptoms mentioned earlier at baseline and then weekly for 4 weeks. A symptom index was calculated by the addition of the scores (16 most symptomatic). Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) acute toxicity criteria and psychosocial status of the patients were also recorded weekly. The lifestyle impact of the symptoms was assessed by questionnaire grading from 0 (no effect on daily activity) to 4 (afraid to leave home).

RESULTS

There was a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the symptom index (before treatment vs. after treatment with Aloe vera) for diarrhea (median score: 0.67 vs. 0.11), fecal urgency (median score: 0.89 vs. 0.11), clinical presentation total (median score: 4.33 vs. 1.22), RTOG total (median score: 2.89 vs. 0.89), and lifestyle (median score: 1.1 vs. 0.33). Hemorrhage and abdominal/rectal pain did not improve significantly. The odds ratios for advantage of Aloe vera over placebo for "clinical presentation total" and "RTOG total" were 3.97 (1.3-11.9) and 5.9 (1.6-21.6), respectively.

CONCLUSION

A substantial number of patients with radiation proctitis seem to benefit from therapy with Aloe vera 3% ointment.

Chronic haemorrhagic radiation proctitis: A review

Chronic haemorrhagic radiation proctitis (CHRP) is a difficult problem faced by the patients following radiation for pelvic malignancy. There is no standard treatment for this condition, but many methods of treatment are available. The aim of this study was to review the literature to see whether there is an improvement in the available evidence in comparison with previously published systematic reviews in treating patients with CHRP. The PubMed/Medline database and Google Scholar search was selectively searched. Studies, which treated patients with rectal bleeding due to chronic radiation proctitis or CHRP, were included. Seventy studies were finally selected out of which 14 were randomized controlled clinical trials. Though these studies could not be compared, it could be seen that there was an improvement in the methodology of the studies. There was an objective assessment of symptoms, signs and an objective assessment of outcomes. But, still, there were only a few studies that looked into the quality of life following treatment of CHRP. To increase recruitment to trials, a national registry of cases with established late radiation toxicity would facilitate the further improvement of such studies. Some of the conclusions that could be reached based on the available evidence are 4% formalin should be the first line treatment for patients with CHRP. Formalin and argon plasma coagulation (APC) are equally effective, but formalin is better for severe disease. Refractory patients, not responding to formalin or APC, need to be referred for hyperbaric oxygen therapy or surgery. Radio-frequency ablation is a promising modality that needs to be studied further in randomized trials.

Chronic radiation proctopathy: A practical review of endoscopic treatment

Chronic radiation proctopathy (CRP) is a troublesome complication of pelvic radiotherapy. The most common presentation is rectal bleeding. CRP symptoms interfere with daily activities and decrease quality of life. Rectal bleeding management in patients with CRP represents a conundrum for practitioners. Medical therapy is ineffective in general and surgical approach has a high morbid-mortality. Endoscopy has a role in the diagnosis, staging and treatment of this disease. Currently available endoscopic modalities are formalin, potassium titanyl phosphate laser, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, argon laser, bipolar electrocoagulation (BiCAP), heater probe, band ligation, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation and argon plasma coagulation (APC). Among these options, APC is the most promising.

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Ameliorates Endothelial Dysfunction in Radiation-Induced Bladder Injury

This study was designed to explore the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on radiation-induced endothelial dysfunction and histological changes in the urinary bladder. bFGF was administrated to human umbilical vein cells (HUVEC) or urinary bladder immediately after radiation. Reduced expression of thrombomodulin (TM) was indicated in the HUVEC and urinary bladder after treatment with radiation. Decreased apoptosis was observed in HUVEC treated with bFGF. Administration of bFGF increased the expression of TM in HUVEC medium, as well as in the urinary bladder at the early and delayed phases of radiation-induced bladder injury (RIBI). At the early phase, injection of bFGF increased the thickness of urothelium and reduced inflammation within the urinary bladder. At the delayed phase, bFGF was effective in reducing fibrosis within the urinary bladder. Our results indicate that endothelial dysfunction is a prominent feature of RIBI. Administration of bFGF can ameliorate radiation-induced endothelial dysfunction in urinary bladder and preserve bladder histology at early and delayed phases of RIBI.

Formalin irrigation for hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of a modified topical formalin irrigation method in refractory hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis (CRP).

METHODS: Patients with CRP who did not respond to previous medical treatments and presented with grade II-III rectal bleeding according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events were enrolled. Patients with anorectal strictures, deep ulcerations, and fistulas were excluded. All patients underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation before treatment. Patient demographics and clinical data, including primary tumor, radiotherapy and previous treatment options, were collected. Patients received topical 4% formalin irrigation in a clasp-knife position under spinal epidural anesthesia in the operating room. Remission of rectal bleeding and related complications were recorded. Defecation, remission of bleeding, and other symptoms were investigated at follow-up. Endoscopic findings in patients with rectovaginal fistulas were analyzed.

RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (19 female, 5 male) with a mean age of 61.5 ± 9.5 years were enrolled. The mean time from the end of radiotherapy to the onset of bleeding was 11.1 ± 9.0 mo (range: 2-24 mo). Six patients (25.0%) were blood transfusion dependent. The median preoperative Vienna Rectoscopy Score (VRS) was 3 points. Nineteen patients (79.2%) received only one course of topical formalin irrigation, and five (20.8%) required a second course. No side effects were observed. One month after treatment, bleeding cessation was complete in five patients and obvious in 14; the effectiveness rate was 79.1% (19/24). For long-term efficacy, 5/16, 1/9 and 0/6 patients complained of persistent bleeding at 1, 2 and 5 years after treatment, respectively. Three rectovaginal fistulas were found at 1 mo, 3 mo and 2 years after treatment. Univariate analysis showed associations of higher endoscopic VRS and ulceration score with risk of developing rectovaginal fistula.

CONCLUSION: Modified formalin irrigation is an effective and safe method for hemorrhagic CRP, but should be performed cautiously in patients with a high endoscopic VRS.

Formalin therapy for hemorrhagic radiation proctitis

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy within pelvis is a vital component of curative therapy for urological, gynecological and rectal malignances. Rectum is especially vulnerable to secondary radiation injury resulting in proctitis. The most common and life-threatening symptom is rectal hemorrhage. Formalin application into the rectum causes local cauterization of telangiectatic mucosal vessels. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of local formalin application in patients with hemorrhagic radiation proctitis.

METHODS

A solution of 4.0% formalin was used in the treatment of 20 patients with clinical and proctoscopic evidence of radiadion proctitis. Treatment involved direct application of 4.0% formalin into the rectum. All patients were followed-up in terms of complete resolution of symptoms or recurrences of bleeding.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients with a mean age of 69.7 (range, 57-80) years were followed for 51.2 (range, 1-93) months. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.5 (range, 1-10) months and the interval between the end of radiotherapy and symptoms was mostly between 5 and 30 months. Patients required an average of 2 (range, 1-5) formalin treatments. Of the 20 patients, 10 had complete resolution of their symptoms after their first treatment. In 10 patients bleeding recurred and they were offered another formalin instillation and/or 5-ASA suppositories and argon therapy. Complete resolution of symptoms was achieved in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical formalin instillation is effective, safe, and well-tolerated method for the patients with radiation proctopathy. This therapy may be repeated in case of recurrent bleeding and combined with other methods of treatment.

Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of ulcerative proctitis, chronic radiation proctopathy, and diversion proctitis

Chronic proctitis refers to persistent or relapsing inflammation of the rectum, which results from a wide range of etiologies with various pathogenic mechanisms. The patients may share similar clinical presentations. Ulcerative proctitis, chronic radiation proctitis or proctopathy, and diversion proctitis are the 3 most common forms of chronic proctitis. Although the diagnosis of these disease entities may be straightforward in the most instances based on the clinical history, endoscopic, and histologic features, differential diagnosis may sometimes become problematic, especially when their etiologies and the disease processes overlap. The treatment for the 3 forms of chronic proctitis is different, which may shed some lights on their pathogenetic pathway. This article provides an overview of the latest data on the clinical features, etiologies, diagnosis, and management of ulcerative proctitis, chronic radiation proctopathy, and diversion proctitis.

A randomized controlled clinical trial of formalin for treatment of chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy in cervical carcinoma patients

PURPOSE

Chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy is not uncommon after radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma. The outcomes of several treatments have been variable. Many studies demonstrate that topical treatment with 4 % formalin is effective and safe. However, a nonrandomized control study showed a high response rate and good tolerance in chronic radiation proctopathy patients treated with 10 % formalin. The optimal concentration of formalin therefore remains unclear.

METHODS

To compare the effectiveness and safety of 4 and 10 % formalin for the treatment of chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy, a prospective trial was conducted at the Department of Gynecology of the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College from January 2009 to December 2012. One hundred and twenty patients with chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy following radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma were recruited and randomized to receive 4 or 10 % formalin. A standard protocol was followed for formalin application. Symptom and rectoscopy scores were evaluated before and at 12 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

In the 4 % formalin group, 49 (86.0 %) and 53 (91.4 %) patients showed an improvement in symptom score and rectoscopy score, respectively (P = 0.36). Symptom and rectoscopy scores decreased significantly after treatment in both the 4 % formalin group and the 10 % formalin group (P < 0.001). Symptom score was correlated with rectoscopy score (P < 0.001). More patients in the 10 % group suffered treatment-related complications than did those in the 4 % group (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

For the treatment of chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy, 4 % should be the preferred formalin concentration.

Microbiota and radiation-induced bowel toxicity: lessons from inflammatory bowel disease for the radiation oncologist

New gastrointestinal symptoms are frequent after pelvic radiotherapy and can greatly affect the quality of life of cancer survivors. The effect of radiation on the intestinal microbiota, and the clinical implications of a modified microbial balance after radiotherapy are now beginning to emerge. In this Personal View, we show the importance of the microbiota for intestinal homoeostasis, and discuss the similarity between inflammatory bowel disease, which has been extensively researched, and radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicity. By use of microbiota profiles for risk assessment and manipulation of the intestinal flora for prevention and treatment of radiation, enteropathy could become a reality and would be of substantial relevance to the increasing numbers of long-term cancer survivors.

Protective effect of mesalamine against oxidativeinjury in a rat model of radiation rectitis

BACKGROUND

Radiation rectitis is a major problem associated with high-doseirradiation used for pelvic malignancies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protectiveeffect of mesalamine against irradiation-induced oxidative tissue damage in an experimental model.

METHODS

THREE GROUPS OF FEMALE SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS WERE ASSIGNED TO RECEIVE TREATMENT AS FOLLOWS: mesalamine enema (60 mg/mL) BID + irradiation (IR) was given to the mesalamine + IR group, and isotonic saline enema BID + irradiation to the control group. Treatments were given from the day before irradiation until euthanization (72 hours after the irradiation). Sham control rats received isotonic saline enema BID but no irradiation. On the third day of treatment, all animals were euthanized, and reduced glutathione (GSH) level, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured in the rectal, intestinal, and hepatic tissue of the rats.

RESULTS

The sham group comprised 7 rats; the control and mesalamine + IRgroups, 16 rats each. The median GSH levels of rectal and intestinal specimens were lower in the control group compared with the sham group. The rectal and intestinal MDA levels were higher in the control group compared with the sham group. The rectal and intestinal MPO activities were higher in the control group compared with the sham group. All of these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001) and indicated oxidative stress. With the topical application of mesalamine, the GSH and MDA levels and MPO activities were similar to those of the sham group.

CONCLUSION

The pelvic irradiation of rats caused oxidative rectal, intestinal,and hepatic tissue damage, which was ameliorated with the use of mesalamine.

Acta Oncologica Lecture. Gastrointestinal consequences of cancer treatment and the wider context: a bad gut feeling

BACKGROUND

The percentage of people living with a diagnosis of cancer is rising globally. Between 20% and 25% of people treated for cancer experience a consequence of cancer which has an adverse impact on the quality of their life. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are the most common of all consequences of cancer treatment and have the greatest impact on daily activity. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LONG-TERM BOWEL DAMAGE AFTER PELVIC RADIOTHERAPY: Long-term damage to the bowel after radiotherapy is mediated by ischaemic changes and fibrosis. Each fraction of radiotherapy causes a series of repetitive injuries to the intestinal tissue resulting in an altered healing process, which affects the integrity of the repair and changes the architecture of the bowel wall. THE NATURE OF GI SYMPTOMS THAT DEVELOP: Patient-reported outcome measures show that diarrhoea, urgency, increased bowel frequency, tenesmus and flatulence are the five most prevalent GI symptoms with a moderate or severe impact on patients' daily lives after treatment with pelvic radiotherapy. Many patients also experience fatigue, urinary problems and have sexual concerns. SYSTEMATIC ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT: The complex nature of those symptoms warrants systematic assessment and management. The use of a tested algorithm can assist in achieving this. The most common contributing factors to ongoing bowel problems after pelvic radiotherapy are small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bile acid malabsorption, pancreatic insufficiency, rectal bleeding and its impact on bone health.

THE WIDER CONTEXT

Symptom burden, socio-psychosocial impact, memory and cognitive function, fatigue, urinary problems and sexual concerns need to be taken into account when thinking about consequences of cancer treatment.

CONCLUSION

As our understanding of consequences of cancer treatments continues to emerge and encompass a wide variety of specialties, a holistic, multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach is required to manage those consequences long-term.

Survivorship in gynecologic cancer: enduring the treatment toward a new normal

Women are living longer after a cancer diagnosis because of advances in early detection and treatment. However, although our ability to effectively treat gynecologic malignancies has improved, survivors of gynecologic cancer often face profound physical, emotional, sexual, and psychosocial challenges as a result of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we discuss how patient comorbidities (i.e., obesity) and cancer treatment effects may adversely affect sexual health outcomes, gastrointestinal function, and general health among survivors of gynecologic cancer. The importance of a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to survivorship care is emphasized.

Effects of ozonated olive oil on acute radiation proctitis in rats

BACKGROUND

Acute radiation proctitis is a common complication of pelvic radiation and management of acute radiation proctitis is under evaluation. The beneficial effects of ozonated olive oil (OzOO) have already been shown in the treatment of chronic wounds. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of topical OzOO on acute radiation proctitis.

AIMS

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of topical OzOO on acute radiation proctitis.

STUDY DESIGN

Animal experimentation.

METHODS

RATS WERE DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS: control; irradiation+saline (1 mL); and irradiation +OzOO (1 mL). A single fraction of 17.5 Gy was delivered to each rat. The OzOO was administered rectally each day after irradiation. Each rat was observed daily for signs of proctitis. Irradiated rats were euthanised on days 5 and 10. The mucosal changes were evaluated macroscopically and pathologically.

RESULTS

According to the clinical findings, five rats in the irradiation+saline group showed Grade 4 symptoms on the 10(th) day. Macroscopic finding scores on the 10(th) day in the irradiation+saline and irradiation+OzOO groups were statistically significantly different. On pathological examination, radiation-induced mucosal damage was the most prominent 10 days after irradiation in saline-treated rats. On the 10(th) day, the irradiation+OzOO group showed mild inflammation and slight crypt change, which corresponded to Grade 1 pathological findings.

CONCLUSION

OzOO attenuates macroscopic and pathological findings of acute radiation proctitis in rats.

Colorectal cancer emergencies

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common type of malignancy encountered in the United States. A significant proportion of patients with CRC will seek emergency medical care during the course of their illness and treatment.

BACKGROUND

Emergent presentations can be the result of either local tumor invasion, regional progression, or therapeutic techniques. Specific complications of CRC which present emergently include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction. Less common issues encountered include malignant ascites, neutropenic enterocolitis, and radiation enteropathy.

CONCLUSION

The care of CRC patients in the setting of an acute severe illness typically requires the joint efforts of the emergency medical team in consultation with surgical, medical, and radiation oncology. A high degree of suspicion for the typical and atypical complications of CRC is important for all clinicians who are responsible for the care of these patients.

Effect of the new synthetic vitamin E derivative ETS-GS on radiation enterocolitis symptoms in a rat model

Radiation enterocolitis is a severe adverse event that occurs after radiotherapy for malignant abdominal tumors. In this study, the therapeutic effects of ETS-GS, a novel vitamin E derivative with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory abilities, were examined in a rat model of radiation enterocolitis. The radiation enterocolitis model was created by irradiation of male rats with a single dose of 10 Gy. ETS-GS was administered subcutaneously (10 mg/kg/day) for five consecutive days from two days prior to irradiation. The animals were sacrificed three days after irradiation; following which, ileal tissue samples were analyzed for macroscopic and histological findings, presence of apoptosis, degree of oxidative stress and inflammation. In the irradiated group, severe erosion was observed in the small intestine in addition to necrosis of the mucosal layer, swelling and invasion of inflammatory cells of the submucosal layer, and shortening of the crypts. In irradiated rats that received ETS-GS, mucosal injury in the small intestine was milder compared with that of irradiated rats that received no ETS-GS. In addition, ETS-GS decreased apoptosis in the small intestine and reduced the activity of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde, which are markers for inflammation and oxidative stress. ETS-GS with antioxidant activity has a therapeutic effect on the symptoms of radiation enterocolitis in a rat model.

Clinical and proctoscopic evaluation of topical formalin application in the treatment of chronic radiation proctitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Chronic radiation proctitis is a disease associated with radiotherapy of cancer in the pelvic region. The main symptom is rectal bleeding. Several treatment modalities have been attempted, but few have demonstrated satisfactory effects. We present our experience with formalin applied locally to the rectal mucosa in the treatment of chronic radiation proctitis. Furthermore, we assess possible complications, the gravest suggested being cancer. Previous studies on the subject have reported good results, but often with a somewhat vaguely defined follow-up. Our evaluation of the treatment was based on both subjective symptoms and proctoscopic findings.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A small study (N = 11) was conducted retrospectively. All patients treated for chronic radiation proctitis with formalin in our clinic were identified, and data concerning effect and complications were collected by studying the patients' records, with a questionnaire and a follow-up interview and proctoscopy.

RESULTS

The study showed a marked decrease in bleeding and objective signs of proctitis in all patients. Complete cessation of bleeding was achieved in five patients. Possible complications to the treatment detected in our study were the following: anorectal pain, tenesmus, incontinence, diarrhea, and mucous rectal discharge. No signs of neoplasia were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The formalin treatment had a very good effect on chronic radiation proctitis. Possible complications were detected. Except in the case of anorectal pain, these are all of a questionable nature and can possibly be attributed to chronic radiation proctitis itself rather than the formalin treatment. Further study is warranted to confirm long-term effects of the formalin and to exclude possible complications, especially secondary anorectal cancer.

Efficacy of cryospray ablation for the treatment of chronic radiation proctitis in a pilot study

AIM

Radiation proctitis, a common condition associated with radiotherapy for the treatment of pelvic cancers, is characterized by difficult to manage rectal pain and bleeding. Cryotherapy is a novel technique, previously used in the treatment of vascular ectasias in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of cryospray application in the treatment of radiation proctitis.

METHODS

This is a prospective case-series pilot study. Ten patients with symptomatic chronic radiation proctitis were consecutively enrolled over a 2-year period. Baseline clinical data were collected and an endoscopic score was calculated based on the density of ectasias and circumferential involvement. Subjects underwent up to four cryospray ablation treatment sessions at approximately 4-week intervals or until resolution of the proctitis. The endpoints of the study were endoscopic and clinical improvement in radiation proctitis.

RESULTS

Ten patients (nine males and one female) with a mean age of 74 ± 7 years underwent cryospray treatment; sessions ranged from one to four (six patients had one session, three patients had two sessions, and one patient underwent four sessions). Endoscopic score significantly decreased from a mean of 10.2 ± 3.0 to 4.0 ± 2.8 (P = 0.016). Rectal pain significantly decreased from a mean of 3.1 ± 3.0 to 1.2 ± 1.7 (P = 0.042) and rectal bleeding improved in 86% (six out of seven) of patients. Nine patients reported improvement in overall well-being. No major complications were encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryotherapy is an effective method in the management of chronic radiation proctitis with minimal complications.

Chronic radiation-induced proctitis: the 4 % formalin application as non-surgical treatment

PURPOSE

Radiation proctitis is a known complication following radiation therapy for pelvic malignancy. The majority of cases are treated nonsurgically. Rectal instillation of formalin solution has been described as a successful treatment for chronic radiation-induced hemorrhagic proctitis resistant to medical treatment. We present our results in patients undergoing treatment with application of 4 % formalin for radiation-induced injury to the rectum.

METHODS

All patients were treated under anesthesia by direct application of 4 % formalin solution to the affected rectal areas. Patient gender, initial malignancy, grade of proctitis, need for blood transfusion, previous therapy, number of applications and response to treatment with formalin, complications, and length of follow-up were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 15 patients with a mean age of 68.9 (range, 48-77) years were followed for 31.3 (range, 18-51) months. The mean interval from the conclusion of radiotherapy and the onset of symptoms was 6.9 months. The mean duration of hemorrhagic proctitis before formalin application was 7.9 months. Ten patients had only one formalin application and five patients required a second application because of the persistent bleeding. Thirteen patients (87 %) had complete cessation of bleeding. No complications related to the formalin treatment were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

According to a revision of the literature and our experience, despite the small number of patients in our trial, we can state that the application of 4 % formalin solution is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for chronic radiation-induced hemorrhagic proctitis with minimal discomfort and no severe complications.

Managing gastrointestinal symptoms after cancer treatment: a practical approach for gastroenterologists

The percentage of the population living with a diagnosis of cancer is rising. By 2030, there will be 4 million cancer survivors in the UK. One quarter of cancer survivors are left with physical symptoms, which affect their quality of life. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are the most common of all chronic physical side-effects of cancer treatment and have the greatest impact on daily activity. Cancer therapies induce long-term changes in bowel function due to alterations to specific GI physiological functions. In addition, the psychological effect of a cancer diagnosis, new GI disease or pre-existing underlying conditions, may also contribute to new symptoms. Twenty-three upper GI symptoms have been identified as occurring after pelvic radiotherapy. After upper GI cancer treatment, the most troublesome symptoms include reflux, abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhoea and fatigue. Often, several symptoms are present simultaneously and women experience more symptoms than men. The symptoms which patients rate as most difficult are urgency, wind, diarrhoea, incontinence, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. Recent UK Guidance on managing GI symptoms suggests that these symptoms can be treated especially if gastroenterological advice is combined with dietetic and nursing input to optimise investigations and management. However, as different pathological processes can result in identical symptoms; a systematic, 'algorithmic' approach to assess and treat these symptoms is required. This paper aims to illustrate the value of such an approach to investigate and treat the most common GI symptoms that trouble patients. The algorithm allows clinicians to institute a comprehensive medical management plan.

Management of intestinal complications in patients with pelvic radiation disease

Gastrointestinal toxicity after radiotherapy for pelvic cancer is a major complication-the most commonly reported symptoms include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and fecal incontinence, which substantially impair patients' quality of life. Management of these symptoms can be a challenge, although available treatment strategies generally are ignored or underused. Radiation-induced symptoms have multiple mechanisms of pathogenesis; the first step for the correct management is to identify the mechanism that is causing the symptoms. Optimal management requires close liaisons among physicians, gastroenterologists with specialist interests, radiotherapists, oncologists, dieticians, nurses, and surgeons. Patients should be reassured that treatment options (medical, endoscopic, and surgical) exist and are in most cases successful if patients are referred to experts in pelvic radiation disease. However, although new therapeutic approaches are not yet always supported by high-quality trials, research projects are underway to improve management of patients. Clinicians should focus on using proven treatments correctly and avoiding misuse.

A randomized controlled trial comparing colonic irrigation and oral antibiotics administration versus 4% formalin application for treatment of hemorrhagic radiation proctitis

BACKGROUND

Several treatments have been described for hemorrhagic radiation proctitis. The treatment outcomes are variable. Colonic irrigation and oral antibiotics for hemorrhagic radiation proctitis have been recently reported to be a novel and promising therapeutic approach. However, a comparative study of this treatment has never been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare colonic irrigation and oral antibiotics (irrigation group) versus 4% formalin application (formalin group) for treatment of hemorrhagic radiation proctitis.

DESIGN

This was a randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

This study was conducted in a tertiary care/university-based hospital.

PATIENTS

Fifty patients with hemorrhagic radiation proctitis were randomly assigned to each treatment group (n = 25).

INTERVENTIONS

For individuals allocated to the irrigation group, daily self-administered colonic irrigation with 1 L of tap water and a 1-week period of oral antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and metronidazole) were prescribed. For individuals allocated to the formalin group, 4% formalin application for 3 minutes was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients' symptoms and the endoscopic findings of each group were collected. Patient satisfaction was surveyed. The outcomes were evaluated at 8 weeks after the initiation of treatment.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in rectal bleeding and bowel frequency in both treatment groups, but significant improvement in urgency, diarrhea, and tenesmus was demonstrated only in the irrigation group. The comparative study between 2 treatments revealed greater improvement in rectal bleeding, urgency, and diarrhea in the irrigation group. Twenty of 24 patients in the irrigation group and 10 of 23 patients in the formalin group were satisfied with the treatment.

LIMITATIONS

This trial cannot illustrate whether the antibiotics and the irrigation were equally important because of the limitation of a 2-armed design.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment with colonic irrigation and oral antibiotics appears to be more effective than 4% formalin application for hemorrhagic radiation proctitis treatment and achieves higher patient satisfaction.