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Does local irradiation affect gastric emptying in humans?
F L Makrauer1, E Oates, J Becker
1Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Massachusetts, USA.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|January 19, 1999
Summary
Radiation therapy for non-gastrointestinal cancers did not alter gastric emptying (GE) rates in patients. This study found no significant changes in GE, even with symptoms like nausea and vomiting during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment.
- Potential side effects of radiation include gastrointestinal disturbances.
- The impact of radiation on gastric emptying (GE) requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of radiation therapy on gastric emptying in patients with non-gastrointestinal cancers.
- To compare GE rates in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Gastric emptying was measured in 13 patients before, during, and after radiation therapy.
- Patients served as their own controls, with comparisons to healthy subjects.
- Symptoms and weight were monitored throughout the study.
Main Results:
- Baseline gastric emptying rates in cancer patients were similar to healthy controls.
- Radiation therapy did not significantly alter gastric emptying rates, either early or late in treatment.
- No correlation was found between radiation field, tumor type, and GE rate.
- Nausea and vomiting in two patients did not affect their GE rates.
Conclusions:
- Radiation therapy for non-gastrointestinal cancers does not appear to significantly impact gastric emptying.
- Further research may explore mechanisms behind GI symptoms in patients undergoing radiation therapy.