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Chen K, Beeraka NM, Zhang X, Sinelnikov MY, Plotnikova M, Zhao C, Basavaraj V, Zhang J, Lu P. Recent Advances in Therapeutic Modalities Against Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Future Epigenetic Landscape. Lymphat Res Biol 2023; 21:536-548. [PMID: 37267206 PMCID: PMC10753987 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2022.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Lymphedema is a significant postsurgical complication observed in the majority of breast cancer patients. These multifactorial etiopathogenesis have a significant role in the development of novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and the development of novel therapies. This review aims to ascertain the epigenetic alterations that lead to breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), multiple pathobiological events, and the underlying genetic predisposing factors, signaling cascades pertinent to the lapses in effective prognosis/diagnosis, and finally to develop a suitable therapeutic regimen. Methods and Results: We have performed a literature search in public databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, National Library of Medicine and screened several published reports. Search words such as epigenetics to induce BCRL, prognosis/diagnosis, primary lymphedema, secondary lymphedema, genetic predisposing factors for BRCL, conventional therapies, and surgery were used in these databases. This review described several epigenetic-based predisposing factors and the pathophysiological consequences of BCRL, which affect the overall quality of life, and the interplay of these events could foster the progression of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Prognosis/diagnostic and therapy lapses for treating BCRL are highly challenging due to genetic and anatomical variations, alteration in the lymphatic vessel contractions, and variable expression of several factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-E and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) in breast cancer survivors. Conclusion: We compared the efficacy of various conventional therapies for treating BCRL as a multidisciplinary approach. Further substantial research is required to decipher underlying signaling epigenetic pathways to develop chromatin-modifying therapies pertinent to the multiple etiopathogenesis to explore the correlation between the disease pathophysiology and novel therapeutic modalities to treat BCRL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Narasimha M. Beeraka
- Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (RIPER), Anantapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, India
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Xinliang Zhang
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Y. Sinelnikov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Plotnikova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Cuiping Zhao
- The 80th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Weifang, China
| | - Vijaya Basavaraj
- Department of Pathology, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Jin Zhang
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Pengwei Lu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Alpuim Costa D, Amaro CE, Nunes A, Cardoso JS, Daniel PM, Rosa I, Branco JV. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a complementary treatment for radiation proctitis: Useless or useful? - A literature review. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4413-4428. [PMID: 34366613 PMCID: PMC8316904 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i27.4413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is the backbone of multimodality treatment of more than half of cancer cases. Despite new modern RT techniques, late complications may occur such as radiation proctitis (RP). The natural history of RP is unpredictable. Minor symptoms may resolve spontaneously or require conservative treatment. On the other hand, for similar and uncomplicated clinical contexts, symptoms may persist and can even be refractory to the progressive increase in treatment measures. Over the last decades, an enormous therapeutic armamentarium has been considered in RP, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Currently, the evidence regarding the impact of HBOT on RP and its benefits is conflicting. Additional prospective and randomised studies are necessary to validate HBOT's effectiveness in the 'real world' clinical practice. This article reviewed the relevant literature on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, different classifications and discuss RP management including a proposal for a therapeutic algorithm with a focus on HBOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Alpuim Costa
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, CUF Oncologia, Lisboa 1998-018, Portugal
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica (CMSH), Portuguese Navy, Lisboa 1649-020, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Naval (CINAV), Portuguese Navy, Base Naval do Alfeite, Almada 2810-001, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Lisboa 1169-056, Portugal
| | - Carla Espiney Amaro
- Centro de Investigação Naval (CINAV), Portuguese Navy, Base Naval do Alfeite, Almada 2810-001, Portugal
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital das Forças Armadas (HFAR), Lisboa 1649-020, Portugal
| | - Ana Nunes
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital das Forças Armadas (HFAR), Lisboa 1649-020, Portugal
| | - Joana Santos Cardoso
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica (CMSH), Portuguese Navy, Lisboa 1649-020, Portugal
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Hospital de Santa Marta, Lisboa 1169-024, Portugal
| | - Pedro Modas Daniel
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica (CMSH), Portuguese Navy, Lisboa 1649-020, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Naval (CINAV), Portuguese Navy, Base Naval do Alfeite, Almada 2810-001, Portugal
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Hospital das Forças Armadas (HFAR), Lisboa 1649-020, Portugal
| | - Isabel Rosa
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica (CMSH), Portuguese Navy, Lisboa 1649-020, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Naval (CINAV), Portuguese Navy, Base Naval do Alfeite, Almada 2810-001, Portugal
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital das Forças Armadas (HFAR), Lisboa 1649-020, Portugal
| | - João Vieira Branco
- Centro de Medicina Subaquática e Hiperbárica (CMSH), Portuguese Navy, Lisboa 1649-020, Portugal
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The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis. Dis Colon Rectum 2018; 61:1135-1140. [PMID: 30192320 DOI: 10.1097/dcr.0000000000001209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Gandhi J, Seyam O, Smith NL, Joshi G, Vatsia S, Khan SA. Clinical utility of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in genitourinary medicine. Med Gas Res 2018; 8:29-33. [PMID: 29770194 PMCID: PMC5937301 DOI: 10.4103/2045-9912.229601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical technique which delivers oxygen at ambient pressures to increase the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood and oxygen distribution to tissues. There are several beneficial properties of HBOT concomitant with elevated oxygen distribution in tissue including anti-inflammation, angiogenesis through vascular endothelial growth factor proliferation, augmented fibroblast activity through fibroblast growth factor proliferation, tissue and wound repair, enhancement of lymphocyte and macrophage activity, increased male testosterone secretion, and bactericidal activity. Given its renown in treating conditions such as decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning, HBOT is making gradual strides for use in genitourinary medicine due to its low risk and likeliness to achieve favorable results. Early success has been observed in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene, radiation cystitis, and interstitial cystitis via the elimination of clinical symptoms such as pain. Further indications that have exhibited positive outcomes despite HBOT's ambiguous mechanism of action include cyclophosphamide hemorrhagic cystitis, emphysematous cystitis, pelvic radiation disease, radiation-induced proctopathy, dystrophic calcification of the prostate, erectile dysfunction secondary to urethroplasty, priapism, abnormal renal morphology, blood testosterone, calcific uremic arteriolopathy, and hidradenitis suppurativa. For other indications, multicenter studies must be conducted to determine HBOT's true efficacy, mechanism of action, risks, and advantages over conventional treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Gandhi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,Medical Student Research Institute, St. George's University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Omar Seyam
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Gunjan Joshi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Southampton, NY, USA
| | - Sohrab Vatsia
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sardar Ali Khan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,Department of Urology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Current Status of Targeted Radioprotection and Radiation Injury Mitigation and Treatment Agents: A Critical Review of the Literature. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2017; 98:662-682. [PMID: 28581409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.02.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
As more cancer patients survive their disease, concerns about radiation therapy-induced side effects have increased. The concept of radioprotection and radiation injury mitigation and treatment offers the possibility to enhance the therapeutic ratio of radiation therapy by limiting radiation therapy-induced normal tissue injury without compromising its antitumor effect. Advances in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of radiation toxicity have stimulated radiation oncologists to target these pathways across different organ systems. These generalized radiation injury mechanisms include production of free radicals such as superoxides, activation of inflammatory pathways, and vascular endothelial dysfunction leading to tissue hypoxia. There is a significant body of literature evaluating the effectiveness of various treatments in preventing, mitigating, or treating radiation-induced normal tissue injury. Whereas some reviews have focused on a specific disease site or agent, this critical review focuses on a mechanistic classification of activity and assesses multiple agents across different disease sites. The classification of agents used herein further offers a useful framework to organize the multitude of treatments that have been studied. Many commonly available treatments have demonstrated benefit in prevention, mitigation, and/or treatment of radiation toxicity and warrant further investigation. These drug-based approaches to radioprotection and radiation injury mitigation and treatment represent an important method of making radiation therapy safer.
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Gibson RJ, Keefe DMK, Lalla RV, Bateman E, Blijlevens N, Fijlstra M, King EE, Stringer AM, van der Velden WJFM, Yazbeck R, Elad S, Bowen JM. Systematic review of agents for the management of gastrointestinal mucositis in cancer patients. Support Care Cancer 2012; 21:313-26. [PMID: 23142924 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-012-1644-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to review the available literature and define clinical practice guidelines for the use of agents for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal mucositis. METHODS A systematic review was conducted by the Mucositis Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO). The body of evidence for each intervention, in each cancer treatment setting, was assigned an evidence level. Based on the evidence level, one of the following three guideline determinations was possible: recommendation, suggestion, and no guideline possible. RESULTS A total of 251 clinical studies across 29 interventions were examined. Panel members were able to make one new evidence-based negative recommendation; two new evidence-based suggestions, and one evidence-based change from previous guidelines. Firstly, the panel recommends against the use of misoprostol suppositories for the prevention of acute radiation-induced proctitis. Secondly, the panel suggests probiotic treatment containing Lactobacillus spp., may be beneficial for prevention of chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with malignancies of the pelvic region. Thirdly, the panel suggests the use of hyperbaric oxygen as an effective means in treating radiation-induced proctitis. Finally, new evidence has emerged which is in conflict with our previous guideline surrounding the use of systemic glutamine, meaning that the panel is unable to form a guideline. No guideline was possible for any other agent, due to inadequate and/or conflicting evidence. CONCLUSIONS This updated review of the literature has allowed new recommendations and suggestions for clinical practice to be reached. This highlights the importance of regular updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Gibson
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide 5005, South Australia, Australia.
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Gothard L, Haviland J, Bryson P, Laden G, Glover M, Harrison S, Woods M, Cook G, Peckitt C, Pearson A, Somaiah N, Stanton A, Mortimer P, Yarnold J. Randomised phase II trial of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients with chronic arm lymphoedema after radiotherapy for cancer. Radiother Oncol 2010; 97:101-7. [PMID: 20605648 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2010.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2010] [Revised: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A non-randomised phase II study suggested a therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on arm lymphoedema following adjuvant radiotherapy for early breast cancer, justifying further investigation in a randomised trial. METHODS Fifty-eight patients with ≥ 15% increase in arm volume after supraclavicular ± axillary radiotherapy (axillary surgery in 52/58 patients) were randomised in a 2:1 ratio to HBO (n=38) or to best standard care (n=20). The HBO group breathed 100% oxygen at 2.4 atmospheres absolute for 100 min on 30 occasions over 6 weeks. Primary endpoint was ipsilateral limb volume expressed as a percentage of contralateral limb volume. Secondary endpoints included fractional removal rate of radioisotopic tracer from the arm, extracellular water content, patient self-assessments and UK SF-36 Health Survey Questionnaire. FINDINGS Of 53/58 (91.4%) patients with baseline assessments, 46 had 12-month assessments (86.8%). Median volume of ipsilateral limb (relative to contralateral) at baseline was 133.5% (IQR 126.0-152.3%) in the control group, and 135.5% (IQR 126.5-146.0%) in the treatment group. Twelve months after baseline the median (IQR) volume of the ipsilateral limb was 131.2% (IQR 122.7-151.5%) in the control group and 133.5% (IQR 122.3-144.9%) in the treatment group. Results for the secondary endpoints were similar between randomised groups. INTERPRETATION No evidence has been found of a beneficial effect of HBO in the treatment of arm lymphoedema following primary surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy for early breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lone Gothard
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK
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Clarke RE, Tenorio LMC, Hussey JR, Toklu AS, Cone DL, Hinojosa JG, Desai SP, Dominguez Parra L, Rodrigues SD, Long RJ, Walker MB. Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment of Chronic Refractory Radiation Proctitis: A Randomized and Controlled Double-Blind Crossover Trial With Long-Term Follow-Up. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2008; 72:134-143. [PMID: 18342453 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2007.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2007] [Revised: 12/07/2007] [Accepted: 12/12/2007] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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de Parades V, Bauer P, Marteau P, Chauveinc L, Bouillet T, Atienza P. Traitement non chirurgical des rectites radiques chroniques hémorragiques. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 31:919-28. [DOI: 10.1016/s0399-8320(07)78299-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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10
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Mishra MV, Shirazi R, Barrett WL. Incidence and Clinical Course of Hemorrhagic Radiation Proctitis After Iodine-125 Prostate Brachytherapy. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2007; 5:397-400. [DOI: 10.3816/cgc.2007.n.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Nakabayashi M, Beard C, Kelly SM, Carr-Locke DL, Oh WK. Treatment of a radiation-induced rectal ulcer with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a man with prostate cancer. Urol Oncol 2006; 24:503-8. [PMID: 17138131 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2006.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2005] [Revised: 02/01/2006] [Accepted: 02/02/2006] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Late radiation proctopathy is a painful and vexing complication of prostate radiation. We report a case of a 55-year-old man with prostate cancer, and complaints of tenesmus and severe rectal pain after radiation therapy. The patient was diagnosed with a locally advanced Gleason score 8 prostate cancer and an increased prostate-specific antigen of 42.3 ng/ml. His past medical history was notable for a history of bilateral lymph node dissection complicated by Clostridium difficile colitis. He subsequently received 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy. Seven months after completing therapy, minor rectal bleeding and significant pain developed, requiring increasing doses of opioid analgesics. Fourteen months after 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, sigmoidoscopy revealed a single chronic deep ulcer at the anorectal junction. As an alternative to diverting colostomy, the patient underwent a course of hyperbaric oxygen. Within 1 month of completing hyperbaric oxygen treatment, his symptoms completely resolved. Nine months from completion of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, he has had no recurrence of symptoms. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be considered a treatment option after failure of standard treatments in patients with severe radiation proctopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Nakabayashi
- Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Pasquier D, Hoelscher T, Schmutz J, Dische S, Mathieu D, Baumann M, Lartigau E. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of radio-induced lesions in normal tissues: a literature review. Radiother Oncol 2004; 72:1-13. [PMID: 15236869 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2004.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2004] [Accepted: 04/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Late complications are one of the major factors limiting radiotherapy treatment, and their treatment is not codified. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been used in combination with radiotherapy for over half a century, either to maximise its effectiveness or in an attempt to treat late complications. In this latter case, retrospective trials and case reports are prevailing in literature. This prompted European Society for Therapeutic Radiotherapy and Oncology and European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine to organise a consensus conference in October 2001, dealing with the HBO indications on radiotherapy for the treatment and prevention of late complications. This updated literature review is part of the documents the jury based its opinion on. A systematic search was done on literature from 1960 to 2004, by only taking into account the articles that appeared in peer review journals. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment involving complications to the head and neck, pelvis and nervous system, and the prevention of complications after surgery in irradiated tissues have been studied. Despite the small number of controlled trials, it may be indicated for the treatment of mandibular osteoradionecrosis in combination with surgery, haemorrhagic cystitis resistant to conventional treatments and the prevention of osteoradionecrosis after dental extraction, whose level of evidence seems to be the most significant though randomised trials are still necessary. The other treatment methods are also outlined for each location.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pasquier
- Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Oscar Lambret, 59020 Lille, France
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Zinicola R, Rutter MD, Falasco G, Brooker JC, Cennamo V, Contini S, Saunders BP. Haemorrhagic radiation proctitis: endoscopic severity may be useful to guide therapy. Int J Colorectal Dis 2003; 18:439-44. [PMID: 12677457 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-003-0487-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2003] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Management of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis remains controversial. Both endoscopically delivered argon plasma coagulation and rectal administration of formalin have been recommended. We evaluated the efficacy of argon plasma coagulation according to endoscopic severity of radiation proctitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fourteen patients treated with argon plasma coagulation for rectal bleeding due to radiation proctitis were reviewed. Patients were classified with a new endoscopic score for haemorrhagic radiation proctitis, comprising three factors: telangiectasia distribution, surface area involved, and presence of fresh blood. Seven patients were categorised as having grade A (mild), four grade B (moderate), and three grade C (severe) radiation proctitis. Rectal bleeding was assessed pre- and post-treatment using a five-point bleeding scale. RESULTS All patients with grade A and B radiation proctitis were treated successfully by argon plasma coagulation (mean 1.5 sessions). In one patient with grade C radiation proctitis argon plasma coagulation was successful after four sessions, but in the other two patients bleeding could not be controlled; a subsequent single formalin administration was successful in both. Overall in 12 patients (85.7%) bleeding ceased or improved significantly. The mean rectal bleeding scale reduced significantly from 2.6 to 0.9. One patient treated with argon plasma coagulation developed an asymptomatic rectosigmoid stenosis. CONCLUSION Argon plasma coagulation is a simple, safe and efficacious therapy for mild/moderate radiation proctitis. In patients with severe radiation proctitis several sessions are usually necessary, and success is not certain; in these cases, topical formalin administration may be more effective. Endoscopic severity of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis may be useful to guide appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Zinicola
- Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy, St. Mark's Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, HA1 3UJ, UK
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Denton AS, Andreyev HJN, Forbes A, Maher EJ. Systematic review for non-surgical interventions for the management of late radiation proctitis. Br J Cancer 2002; 87:134-43. [PMID: 12107832 PMCID: PMC2376119 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6600360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2001] [Revised: 04/03/2002] [Accepted: 04/12/2002] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic radiation proctitis produces a range of clinical symptoms for which there is currently no recommended standard management. The aim of this review was to identify the various non-surgical treatment options for the management of late chronic radiation proctitis and evaluate the evidence for their efficacy. Synonyms for radiation therapy and for the spectrum of lower gastrointestinal radiation toxicity were combined in an extensive search strategy and applied to a range of databases. The included studies were those that involved interventions for the non-surgical management of late radiation proctitis. Sixty-three studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria, including six randomised controlled trials that described the effects of anti-inflammatory agents in combination, rectal steroids alone, rectal sucralfate, short chain fatty acid enemas and different types of thermal therapy. However, these studies could not be compared. If the management of late radiation proctitis is to become evidence based, then, in view of its episodic and variable nature, placebo controlled studies need to be conducted to clarify which therapeutic options should be recommended. From the current data, although certain interventions look promising and may be effective, one small or modest sized study, even if well-conducted, is insufficient to implement changes in practice. In order to increase recruitment to trials, a national register of cases with established late radiation toxicity would facilitate multi-centre trials with specific entry criteria, formal baseline and therapeutic assessments providing standardised outcome data.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Denton
- Center for Cancer Treatment, Mount Vernon Hospital, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 2RN, UK
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Denton A, Forbes A, Andreyev J, Maher EJ. Non surgical interventions for late radiation proctitis in patients who have received radical radiotherapy to the pelvis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002:CD003455. [PMID: 11869662 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic radiation proctitis (inflammation of the rectum) may develop after the completion of pelvic radiotherapy. Presently there is no recommended standard management. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of various non-surgical treatment options for the management of late chronic radiation proctitis. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, issue 1, 2001, MEDLINE 1966 to 2001, EMBASE 1980 to 2001, CANCERCD 1980 to 2001, Science Citation Index 1991 to 2001, CINAHL 1982 to 2001, as well as sources of grey literature. We also hand searched relevant textbooks and contacted experts in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies (preferentially randomised controlled trials) of interventions for the non-surgical management of late radiation proctitis in patients who have undergone pelvic radiotherapy as part of their cancer treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The inclusion criteria were independently applied by two of the reviewers (AD and EJM) and where there was disagreement this was resolved by involving a third reviewer to form a consensus. MAIN RESULTS Six randomised controlled trials were included. None of the trials compared anti-inflammatories with placebo. However rectal sucralfate showed greater clinical improvement for proctitis than anti-inflammatories (odds ratio 14.00, 95% confidence interval 1.46 to 134.26; n=1 study), though no difference was seen for endoscopic improvement (odds ratio 2.74, 95% confidence interval 0.64 to 11.76, n=1 study). The addition of metronidazole to the anti-inflammatory regime also appeared to improve the response rate, as measured by the reduction in rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, erythema and ulceration (n=1 study). Similarly rectal hydrocortisone appeared to be more effective than rectal betamethasone for clinical improvement although no difference was seen in endoscopic improvement (n=1 study). Short chain fatty acid enemas did not appear to be effective compared to placebo (n=2 studies). In the comparison of the heater probe and bipolar electrocautery (n=1 study), there was no discernible difference for severe bleeding after one year, but the heater probe demonstrated a greater increase in the haematocrit and reduced transfusion requirements. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Late radiation complications are a relatively rare manifestation, with many potential carers and poor diagnostic criteria. Although certain interventions look promising and may be effective (such as rectal sucralfate, adding metronidazole to the anti-inflammatory regime and heater probes), single small studies (even if well conducted) provide insufficient evidence. The episodic and variable nature of late radiation proctitis also requires placebo controlled studies to establish whether particular treatments are effective. Regional or centralised registers of radiation toxicity should be established so that interventions can be administered in the setting of multi-centre trials with specific entry criteria, formal baseline and therapeutic assessments providing standardised outcome data including quality of life evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Denton
- Centre for Cancer Treatment, Mount Vernon Hospital, Rickmansworth Rd, Northwood, Middlesex, UK, HA6 2RN.
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Abstract
Radiation proctopathy is a common unfortunate complication following radiation therapy of pelvic malignancies. Symptoms of chronic radiation proctopathy include haematochezia, urgency, constipation, tenesmus, diarrhoea and rectal pain. Currently, a wide variety of pharmacological options, endoscopic cautery techniques and surgical procedures have been proposed for the treatment of chronic radiation proctopathy. Although these have been proposed primarily as treatment for rectal bleeding, the control of other symptoms has been noted with some of these agents. Pharmacological options include 5-aminosalicylic acid preparations, coticosteroid enemas, sucralfate (oral, enemas), formalin, short chain fatty acid enemas, oestrogen/progesterone, hyperbaric oxygen, antioxidants, sodium pentosan polysulphate and misoprostol rectal suppositories. Of these, sucralfate and formalin therapy appear to be effective for bleeding control. Misoprostol rectal suppositories and oral sucralfate may be useful in the prevention of acute and chronic symptoms of radiation proctopathy. Endoscopic cautery techniques have included the use of Nd:YAG laser and argon laser for coagulation of bleeding neovascular telangiectasias. Argon plasma coagulation offers a safe non-contact method of delivering haemostasis which has proven to be particularly useful in targeting difficult to reach lesions tangentially. Surgery is generally reserved for severe refractory cases involving ongoing haemorrhage, obstruction, stricture formation, fistulas and perforation. Given that formal randomized placebo-controlled studies are lacking for most treatments, the management of these patients is often challenging and unclear. Hence, there is a need for more research and education on radiation proctopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Hong
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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