Treatment Of Chronic Radiation Proctitis Research Articles

Methods of endoscopic treatment of chronic radiation proctitis

Aim. To compare the clinical effectiveness of argon plasma coagulation (APC) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of patients with chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) complicated by recurrent rectal bleeding.Methods. A prospective, randomized, single-center study conducted in the State Medical University of the Loginov Moscow State Medical Scientifi Centre. The study included 73 patients with 1—2 degrees of CLP on the RTOG/EORTC scale. The indication for endoscopic treatment was recurrent rectal bleeding. Endoscopic treatment was performed: APC (36 patients) and RF (37 patients), depending on randomization.Results. In 44 patients (60.2 %), of which 18 (50 %) patients in the APC group and 26 (70.2 %) patients in the RF group, a complete regression of the disease was revealed. Telangiectasia was detected in 18 patients (50 %) in the APC group and in 11 patients (29.7 %) in the RF group, which were a continuing source of bleeding. After regression of inflmmatory changes, the patients underwent the second stage of surgery corresponding to the randomization group. After the second stage of surgery in the APC group in 17 patients (94.4 %) and in the RF group in 11 patients (100 %), a complete regression of the disease was revealed. Postoperative pain syndrome occurs in two groups; however, the RF group experiences higher intensity and longer duration of pain.Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation and argon plasma coagulation are effective and safe treatments for rectal bleeding in chronic radiation proctitis without erosive or ulcerative lesions.

A Retrospective Single-Arm Cohort Study in a Single Center of Radiofrequency Ablation in Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis

Chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) may develop in patients within months to years after undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. Numerous treatment modalities are available to achieve hemostasis in CRP, but the optimal treatment remains controversial. We report our clinical experience and long-term outcomes using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with CRP. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent RFA for CRP at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between October 2015 and March 2021. The patient characteristics, endoscopic findings, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. 35 total patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 70.5 ± 12.4 years. All patients sustained repeated rectal bleeding before RFA, and 15 of 35 patients needed blood transfusion. Bleeding cessation was achieved in all patients. Mean follow-up time was 18.6 months (ranging from 2 to 52 months). The hemoglobin (Hb) levels at 6 months after RFA revealed significant improvement from 11.0 ± 2.3 to 11.8 ± 1.9 g/dL (p = 0.048). The rectal telangiectasia density (RTD) scores also showed significant improvement from 2.96 ± 0.2 to 0.85 ± 0.7 (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, RFA treatment is safe and effective in controlling rectal bleeding in CRP without serious complications and can be considered as a first-line or alternative endoscopic treatment for patients with CRP.

Rectal band ligation as a treatment for chronic radiation proctitis: a feasibility study.

Background and study aims Chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) occurs in 5 % to 20 % of patients undergoing pelvic radiation therapy and frequently manifests with rectal bleeding. Endoscopic management of more severe and refractory cases can be challenging. Rectal band ligation (RBL) has been shown to be a feasible alternative to current available techniques, especially in extensive CRP. Our aim is to evaluate clinical and technical success of RBL. Patients and methods We enrolled all consecutive patients treated with RBL for severe or recurrent hemorrhagic CRP. Success was defined as endoscopic evidence of complete rectal healing and/or cessation of bleeding not requiring further treatment or blood transfusion. Results We enrolled 10 patients (7 males, mean age 75.6 years). Median length of the CRP from the anal verge was 4.5 cm and mean surface area involved was 89 %. Eight patients (80 %) were naïve to endoscopic treatment, while two had undergone argon plasma coagulation (APC). Median follow-up was 136.5 days. Success was achieved in 100 % of patients after a mean number of 1.8 RBL sessions. A mean number of 4.7 bands were released in the first session while a mean of 3.1 and 2 bands were placed in the second and third sessions, respectively. As for adverse events, only one patient reported mild tenesmus and pelvic pain after the procedure. Conclusions RBL is a safe and effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of hemorrhagic CRP. It could be considered a valid first-line option in case of extensive rectal involvement as well as a viable rescue treatment after failed APC.

Argon plasma coagulation for the treatment of chronic radiation proctitis – real-world data from Indonesian National Cancer Center

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the endoscopic features and clinical outcome of patients with chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) at one year after argon plasma coagulation (APC) treatment. Method: Between March 2016 and September 2019, a total of 48 female patients with CRP were treated with APC and their medical records were retrospectively reviewed. APC treatment was done every 3 to 54 weeks, with a median of 8 weeks. Number of APC was decided by the treating physician according to the severity of illness. Endoscopic and clinical features at one year after the final APC were recorded as the effectiveness of APC.Results: Of 48 patients, 26 patients were included in this study. Number of APC sessions varied between 1 to 5 sessions of APC for each patient. Of 26 patients, 22 patients achieved clinical improvement and four patients did not achieve clinical improvement at one year after the last APC session. Of the four patients who failed to achieve clinical improvement, two patients underwent surgery, one patient had occasional mild rectal bleeding, and one patient required regular transfusion. Of 22 patients with clinical improvement at one-year after the last APC, improvement of endoscopic features was found in 20 patients. Of four patients who did not achieve endoscopic improvement, diagnostic colonoscopy showed telangiectasis of more than 50% of rectal surface in 1 patient, presence of blood in 2 patients, and presence of ulceration of 1 cm in 1 patient.Conclusion: APC is an effective treatment option for CRP.

Surgical treatment of rectal bleeding in comorbid patients with chronic radiation proctitis

Radiation proctitis is a rare and significant complication of the combined therapy in patients with pelvic cancer. The choice of treatment of chronic radiation proctitis depends on the stage of disease and recurrent rectal bleeding. Comorbidity is cause to complicated proctitis. These clinical cases describe the choice and sequence of surgical interventions in order to achieve successful results in patients with chronic radiation proctitis.

Endoscopic treatment for chronic radiation proctitis

The preferred method in detection and staging of chronic radiation proctitis is colonoscopy. Moreover, endoscopy is used widely in treating patients with this disease. The main goal of endoscopic techniques is hemostasis and elimination of vascular transformations. This includes formalin application, band ligation, various types of laser irradiation, bipolar coagulation and cryotherapy. However, these methods are associated with relatively high risk of complications, whereas argon plasma coagulation and radiofrequency ablation are effective, relatively safe techniques for chronic radiation proctitis and well tolerated by patients.

Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for treatment of chronic radiation proctitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although argon plasma coagulation is the current standard endoscopic treatment for chronic radiation proctitis (CRP), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as an attractive alternative. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RFA for the treatment of CRP. Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were performed from 2004 through March 2018. Review and data abstraction were performed independently by two authors. Measured outcomes included hemoglobin, transfusion dependence, number of treatment sessions, RFA settings, and serious adverse events. Six studies (n=71; mean age 73.41±1.88years; 90.14% male) were included. Thirty-eight percent of patients failed prior treatment with argon plasma coagulation. Patients underwent a mean of 1.71±0.34 RFA sessions with 24.54±16.47 RFA applications per session. Pooled clinical and endoscopic success of RFA was 99% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 90-100; P<0.001) and 100% (95% CI: 94-100; P<0.001), respectively. Serious adverse events were reported in one patient-pooled rate of 0% (95% CI: 0-3; P<0.001). Mean pre-procedure hemoglobin was 10.38±1.82g/dL with significant improvement observed post-RFA [weighted mean difference 2.49g/dL (95% CI: 2.16-2.82; P<0.001)]. Among transfusion-dependent patients, 85% (95% CI: 68-97; P<0.001) became transfusion-free post-RFA. Pooled mean follow-up was 19.73±9.72months. Despite limited long-term data on RFA for CRP, available evidence suggests RFA is an effective and safe treatment.

Argon plasma coagulation is an effective treatment for chronic radiation proctitis in gynaecological malignancy: an observational study.

Chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) develops in 5-15% of patients after pelvic radiation therapy, with rectal bleeding being the main symptom. Reports suggest that argon plasma coagulation (APC) can be an effective therapy for CRP following radiotherapy for prostate cancer, but there is less information about how useful it is after radiotherapy for gynaecological malignancy. The aim of this work therefore was to study the efficacy of APC for CRP after radiotherapy for gynaecological malignancy. This was a prospective study of consecutive patients with CRP following radiotherapy for gynaecological malignancy at IPGME&R, SDLD, Kolkata, India; symptoms included rectal bleeding grade (RBG) ≥ 2. APC was performed at monthly intervals to a maximum of four treatment sessions. Severity of disease at baseline was graded (endoscopically) by the total colonoscopic severity score (TCSS) and treatment response was assessed by reduction in RBG from ≥ 2 to ≤ 1 measured at > 6 months after cessation of APC. Seventy patients [90% with cervical cancer, 10% with endometrial cancer; mean age 51.93 ± 9.15 years; median RBG 3 (range 2-4)] received APC. Seven patients died due to underlying malignancy and seven patients were lost to follow-up. Fifty-six (85.7%) patients responded to therapy after a median of 2 (range 1-4) treatment sessions. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a lower haemoglobin at the start of treatment predicted failure of therapy (P < 0.05). APC is an effective management option for CRP in female patients with gynaecological malignancy. However, the more anaemic the patient the less likely it is to be successful.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is dedicated to ensuring high-quality patient care by advancing the science, prevention, and management of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. The Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee is charged with leading international

Mo1977 Endoscopic OCT Angiography Enables Visualization of Microvascular Changes to Assess RFA Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis

Mo1977 Endoscopic OCT Angiography Enables Visualization of Microvascular Changes to Assess RFA Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis

Su1675 Comparison Between Two Different Parameters of Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) in the Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis: Historical Control Trial

Su1675 Comparison Between Two Different Parameters of Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) in the Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis: Historical Control Trial

Clinical and Proctoscopic Evaluation of Topical Formalin Application in the Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis

Chronic radiation proctitis is a disease associated with radiotherapy of cancer in the pelvic region. The main symptom is rectal bleeding. Several treatment modalities have been attempted, but few have demonstrated satisfactory effects. We present our experience with formalin applied locally to the rectal mucosa in the treatment of chronic radiation proctitis. Furthermore, we assess possible complications, the gravest suggested being cancer. Previous studies on the subject have reported good results, but often with a somewhat vaguely defined follow-up. Our evaluation of the treatment was based on both subjective symptoms and proctoscopic findings. A small study (N = 11) was conducted retrospectively. All patients treated for chronic radiation proctitis with formalin in our clinic were identified, and data concerning effect and complications were collected by studying the patients' records, with a questionnaire and a follow-up interview and proctoscopy. The study showed a marked decrease in bleeding and objective signs of proctitis in all patients. Complete cessation of bleeding was achieved in five patients. Possible complications to the treatment detected in our study were the following: anorectal pain, tenesmus, incontinence, diarrhea, and mucous rectal discharge. No signs of neoplasia were found. The formalin treatment had a very good effect on chronic radiation proctitis. Possible complications were detected. Except in the case of anorectal pain, these are all of a questionable nature and can possibly be attributed to chronic radiation proctitis itself rather than the formalin treatment. Further study is warranted to confirm long-term effects of the formalin and to exclude possible complications, especially secondary anorectal cancer.

Rectal band ligation for treatment of extensive chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis

Chronic radiation proctitis is an infrequent complication of pelvic radiotherapy, occurring in 5 % – 20 % of patients [1]. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is the preferred endoscopic therapy for treatment of chronic radiation proctitis and is considered effective and well tolerated.

Efficacy of cryospray ablation for the treatment of chronic radiation proctitis in a pilot study

Radiation proctitis, a common condition associated with radiotherapy for the treatment of pelvic cancers, is characterized by difficult to manage rectal pain and bleeding. Cryotherapy is a novel technique, previously used in the treatment of vascular ectasias in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of cryospray application in the treatment of radiation proctitis. This is a prospective case-series pilot study. Ten patients with symptomatic chronic radiation proctitis were consecutively enrolled over a 2-year period. Baseline clinical data were collected and an endoscopic score was calculated based on the density of ectasias and circumferential involvement. Subjects underwent up to four cryospray ablation treatment sessions at approximately 4-week intervals or until resolution of the proctitis. The endpoints of the study were endoscopic and clinical improvement in radiation proctitis. Ten patients (nine males and one female) with a mean age of 74 ± 7 years underwent cryospray treatment; sessions ranged from one to four (six patients had one session, three patients had two sessions, and one patient underwent four sessions). Endoscopic score significantly decreased from a mean of 10.2 ± 3.0 to 4.0 ± 2.8 (P = 0.016). Rectal pain significantly decreased from a mean of 3.1 ± 3.0 to 1.2 ± 1.7 (P = 0.042) and rectal bleeding improved in 86% (six out of seven) of patients. Nine patients reported improvement in overall well-being. No major complications were encountered. Cryotherapy is an effective method in the management of chronic radiation proctitis with minimal complications.

Radiation induced-late bowel toxicity: role of argon plasma coagulation

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study was to identify predictors and treatment outcome of late bowel toxicity after three dimensional pelvic radiotherapy for genitourinary malignancies and also to describe our experience with Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) in this toxicity.Patients and methods: Between March 2004 and March 2010, all patients who had completed a course of pelvic radiotherapy for genitourinary malignancies at our Institute were enrolled in this study. Every patient with lower GI symptoms underwent sigmoidoscopy and accordingly, some patients were subjected to intervention by APC.Results: One hundred and thirty-six patients met all inclusion criteria. Median FU period was 37 months. Chronic diarrhoea was scored as Grade 1 or 2 in 35 patients (25.7%). Chronic proctitis was scored as Grade 1 or 2 in 17 patients (12.5%) and Grade 3 in 6 patients (4.4%), 25 patients developed chronic bleeding per rectum, 16 (11.8%) were Grade 1 or 2, while 9 patients (6.6%) were Grade 3. Both maximum rectal dose and comorbidity ≥1 significantly correlated with the development of chronic proctitis (p = 0.040 for both).Endoscopic findings showed mucosal injury in 59 cases (84.29%) and vascular injury in 42 patients (60%). APC was successful in controlling bleeding and other symptoms in 14 cases (82.4%) and 16 cases (70%) respectively.Conclusion: Three dimensional pelvic radiotherapy using two-phase technique is associated with a low level of Grade 3 late lower gastrointestinal toxicities. The most common presenting symptom is chronic diarrhoea. Both maximum rectal dose and comorbidity ≥1 significantly predict the development of chronic proctitis. APC is an effective, safe and well-tolerated treatment for chronic radiation proctitis.

Treatment of chronic radiation proctitis with cryoablation

Chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) is a common problem in patients receiving pelvic radiation. Current therapies have the potential for deep tissue injury with ulcerations, perforation, and fistula formation. Cryospray ablation therapy offers superficial ablation of mucosa and is a potential method to endoscopically treat CRP safely and effectively. To determine tolerability of and response to cryotherapy in patients with radiation proctitis. Prospective case-series pilot study. Baylor College of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center, Houston, Texas. Ten patients were prospectively recruited with chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis. Endoscopic cryoablation of CRP. Symptom severity of CRP was obtained by using the Radiation Proctitis Severity Assessment Scale (RPSAS). Endoscopic assessment was obtained using the rectal telangiectasia density grade. The primary endpoint of the study was endoscopic improvement of CRP based on the change in rectal telangiectasia density at 3-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints included symptomatic improvement based on RPSAS and adverse events at 3 months. Ten patients with hemorrhagic radiation proctitis were treated with endoscopic cryoablation. Endoscopic severity improved as measured by rectal telangiectasia density from 2.7 to 1.7 (P=.004). Overall subjective clinical scores improved as determined by the Radiation Proctitis Severity Assessment Scale from 27.7 to 13.6 (P=.003). Endoscopic improvement correlated with symptom improvement. Nonpowered case series pilot study. Cryoablation improved clinical and endoscopic indices in CRP. Further controlled studies are needed to identify the safety and efficacy of cryoablation for CRP.

The role of endoscopy in patients with anorectal disorders

The role of endoscopy in patients with anorectal disorders

Feasibility of Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis

Chronic radiation proctitis can be difficult to manage. Radiofrequency ablation has recently been shown to be effective in the management of gastric antral vascular ectasia and Barrett's esophagus, but its utility in the treatment of chronic radiation proctitis is undetermined. A 77-year-old man with extensive chronic radiation proctitis had continued bleeding despite argon plasma coagulation. The HALO(90) radiofrequency system (BARRX Medical, Sunnyvale, CA) was used for treatment regions of proctitis at an energy density of 12 J/cm(2). At monthly intervals, over 3 months, radiofrequency ablation was performed with a mean of 7 regions ablated at a time. The mean treatment time was 29 minutes. There was no significant bleeding after the first treatment session. The patient was symptom free at 6 months follow-up with minimal evidence of residual mucosal abnormalities. Radiofrequency ablation appears feasible for treatment of refractory chronic radiation proctitis, with further studies required.

W1046 Safety and Efficacy of Cryotherapy for the Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis: A Pilot Study

W1046 Safety and Efficacy of Cryotherapy for the Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis: A Pilot Study

Effective treatment of chronic radiation proctitis using radiofrequency ablation

Endoscopic argon plasma coagulation and bipolar electrocautery are currently preferred treatments for chronic radiation proctitis, but ulcerations and strictures frequently occur. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been successful for mucosal ablation in the esophagus. Here we report the efficacy of RFA with the BarRx Halo(90) system in three patients with bleeding from chronic radiation proctitis. In all cases, the procedure was well tolerated and hemostasis was achieved after 1 or 2 RFA sessions. Re-epithelialization of squamous mucosa was observed over areas of prior hemorrhage. No stricturing or ulceration was seen on follow-up up to 19 months after RFA treatment. Real-time endoscopic optical coherence tomography (EOCT) visualized epithelialization and subsurface tissue microvasculature pre- and post-treatment, demonstrating its potential for follow-up assessment of endoscopic therapies.