Prevention and Treatment of Radiation Mucositis/Proctitis
Radiation proctitis is a known complication of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Commercially available treatments are often ineffective and have focused on relieving symptoms after damage has occurred, although options exist for prevention.
A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial concluded that misoprostol rectal suppositories significantly reduce acute and chronic radiation proctitis symptoms in patients receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
Am J Gastroenterol 2000 Aug;95(8):1961-6
Seven patients with radiation proctitis completed an open pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) enemas. Four weeks of treatment resulted in clinical improvement in all patients, and modest changes in endoscopic and pathological parameters.
Am J Gastroenterol. 1996 Sep;91(9):1814-6
Topical sucralfate may induce a lasting remission in a majority of patients with moderate to severe rectal bleeding due to radiation proctosigmoiditis.