Late rectal complications after prostate brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer: incidence and management.
This review of the literature on late rectal complications after prostate brachytherapy indicated that it is a highly effective treatment modality for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer but can cause chronic radiation proctitis. The most common manifestation of chronic radiation proctitis was anterior rectal wall bleeding, which often occurred within the first 2 years after brachytherapy. It is interesting to note that the rates of late rectal morbidity appear to have declined over time, which may reflect improvements in implantation techniques and imaging. Rectal biopsy as part of the workup to evaluate rectal bleeding can lead to rectal fistula and the need for colostomy, a rare but major complication. The authors recommend 1) screening colonoscopy before brachytherapy for patients who have not had a screening colonoscopy within the preceding 3 years to rule out colorectal malignancies and, thus, facilitate conservative management should rectal bleeding occur; 2) lifestyle modifications during treatment to limit exposure of the rectum to radiation; and 3) conservative management for rectal bleeding that occurs within 2 years after brachytherapy. Cancer 2009. (c) 2009 American Cancer Society.
Phan
Jack
J
Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Swanson
David A
DA
Levy
Lawrence B
LB
Kudchadker
Rajat J
RJ
Bruno
Teresa L
TL
Frank
Steven J
SJ
D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors