Post-Radiation Proctitis Associated with Cervical & Ovarian Cancer

Women who receive radiation therapy for cervical or ovarian cancer often develop proctitis, which is a painful condition resulting in the inflammation of the anus and rectum’s lining. Proctitis can produce alarming symptoms and discomfort that can develop immediately following the start of radiation therapy or after therapy has been completed.

Acute proctitis occurs within the first 3 months after irradiation, while chronic proctitis can persist for longer periods and symptoms may not transpire until months (8 to 12 months on average) after cessation of therapy. Treatment and supportive measures can control symptoms in more than 80% of acute proctitis cases, however, treatment of chronic proctitis is extremely challenging.

Causes & Risk Factors

Proctitis associated with cervical or ovarian cancer is caused by radiation therapy to the pelvic region. During therapy, a high dose of radiation is administered near the cervix or uterus, and since the rectum is close to these organs, the radiation can damage healthy tissue while also treating the cancer. Studies around external beam radiation have noted the incidence of proctitis to range from 2% - 39%.

Clinical manifestation of the injury to the rectum due to radiation may include diarrhea and tenesmus, a constant urge to urinate or have a bowel movement despite an empty colon. In addition to diarrhea and rectal pain, patients can also experience lasting complications such as bleeding. Severe bleeding signifies chronic changes of the rectal lining; the blood vessels are fragile and, with the onset of minor trauma, can bleed easily.

Symptoms

Acute radiation proctitis is very common. In a small number of patients (about 20%), the severity of symptoms requires interruption of therapy. Symptoms include:

• Frequent urgency to have a bowel movement (tenesmus);
• Diarrhea;
• Minor rectal bleeding;
• Mucous discharge from the rectum;
• Nausea;
• Cramps.

The majority of these symptoms will subside within weeks after cessation of radiation therapy.

Approximately 2% - 20% of patients who receive abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy develop chronic radiation proctitis. Chronic proctitis can have a significantly larger impact on a patient’s quality of life due to amplified symptoms and discomfort. In addition to the symptoms listed above, symptoms can include:

• Severe bleeding;
• Fistulas;
• Bowel obstruction;
• Strictures;
• Perforation.

Treatment

The treatment of radiation-induced proctitis depends on the severity of symptoms. In most cases, proctitis can be successfully treated using anti-inflammatory pills or suppositories to reduce inflammation and minimize bleeding. A stool softener is also commonly recommended if the patient is having difficulty with hard stool or constipation, as both increase the risk of painful defecation and further irritation to the anus and rectum.

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