Radiation Proctopathy

Radiation Proctopathy Individuals receiving treatment for cervical cancer, prostate cancer, or colorectal cancer may find significant relief from the effects of radiation-induced proctopathy by taking oral vitamin A. Radiation-induced anal ulcers characterized by diarrhea, urgency, rectal pain, rectal bleeding, and fecal incontinence may occur 6 months or more after irradiation of prostate and pelvic malignancies. In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, Levitsy et al. (2003) successfully treated both male and female patients having radiation-induced anal ulcers with oral vitamin A. The trial group consisted of 14 males and 2 females with a median age of 71. Of the enrolled patients, 13 had been treated for prostate cancer, 2 had been treated for cervical cancer, and 1 had been treated for rectal cancer. Eight patients were randomized for vitamin A (8000 IU daily) and 8 patients were randomized for placebo. After 3 months, 7 of 8 patients (88%) had a significant reduction in symptom parameters based on Fisher's Exact Test versus 2 of 8 patients (25%) who responded to placebo. Five nonresponders to placebo were then given the same therapeutic dose of vitamin A, and responded favorably to treatment. The researchers concluded that the vitamin A-treated test subjects showed a significant reduction in symptoms of proctopathy as compared to placebo. Improved rectal function and decreased bleeding were attributed to the wound healing and repair properties of vitamin A.

gubi שלום תודה , מאד מעניין. זאת תופעה לא כך כל שכיחה , אבל מאד קשה לאחר הקרנות. חבל רק שהמספרים של החולים שהתתפו במחקר כל כך קטנים. ד"ר אריאלי