title: Chronic radiation proctitis: tricks to prevent and treat.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to give an overview of the measures used to prevent chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) and to provide an algorithm for the treatment of CRP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical literature databases including PubMed and Medline were screened and critically analyzed for relevance in the scope of our purpose.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CRP is a relatively frequent late side effect (5-20%) and mainly dependent on the dose and volume of irradiated rectum. Radiation treatment (RT) techniques to prevent CRP are constantly improving thanks to image-guided RT and intensity-modulated RT. Also, newer techniques like protons and new devices such as rectum spacers and balloons have been developed to spare rectal structures. Biopsies do not contribute to diagnosing CRP and should be avoided because of the risk of severe rectal wall damage, such as necrosis and fistulas. There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of CRP. A variety of possibilities is available and includes topical and oral agents, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and endoscopic interventions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CRP has a natural history of improving over time, even without treatment. This is important to take into account when considering these treatments: first be conservative (topical and oral agents) and be aware that invasive treatments can be very toxic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO Clinic), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3035, 6202 NA, Maastricht, The Netherlands. ben.vanneste@maastro.nl.
authors.forename: Ben G L
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Vanneste
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO Clinic), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3035, 6202 NA, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Lien
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Van De Voorde
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Rogier J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: de Ridder
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO Clinic), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3035, 6202 NA, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Evert J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Van Limbergen
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO Clinic), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3035, 6202 NA, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lambin
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO Clinic), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3035, 6202 NA, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Emile N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: van Lin
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D011349:Proctitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage
keywords: Prevention; Radiation proctitis; Radiotherapy; Treatment