Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury

Abstract

Radiation therapy is administered to approximately one third of patients with cancer as part of their treatment plan. Radiation-induced bowel injury is a major cause of morbidity in these patients. The pathophysiology of this condition as well as recommendations for the management of acute and chronic radiation enteritis are discussed. In general, except for patients presenting with signs of an acute abdomen, conservative management yields the best clinical results.