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08:34
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Published on: February 6, 2019
Treatment of radiation proctitis with hyperbaric oxygen
Kurian Jones1, A Wayne Evans, Robert G Bristow
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., Canada.
Summary
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) offers significant symptom improvement for radiation proctitis, a complication of pelvic radiation therapy. This therapy is a viable option for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Radiation proctitis is a common complication after pelvic radiation therapy.
- Current treatments for radiation proctitis lack standardization and yield unpredictable outcomes.
- Refractory cases often require alternative therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) for radiation proctitis.
- To assess HBOT in patients with radiation proctitis resistant to standard medical or laser therapies.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 10 patients (3 male, 7 female, mean age 65) with radiation proctitis received HBOT between 2000-2004.
- Patient symptoms were retrospectively assessed using the LENT-SOMA scale before and after HBOT.
- Median follow-up was 25 months (range 6-43 months).
Main Results:
- HBOT was well-tolerated, with 90% of patients completing the treatment course.
- Significant improvements were observed in rectal bleeding (4/9 stopped, 3/9 improved), rectal pain (3/5 remitted), and diarrhea (1/5 remitted, 3/5 improved).
- Overall, 8 out of 10 patients showed a positive response to HBOT.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric oxygen treatment can significantly alleviate symptoms of radiation proctitis, including rectal bleeding, pain, and diarrhea.
- HBOT is a promising therapeutic option for patients with radiation proctitis refractory to conventional treatments.
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