What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a literature review to assess the current evidence for treating chronic haemorrhagic radiation proctitis (CHRP) following pelvic radiation.
What They Found
Out of 70 selected studies, including 14 randomized controlled clinical trials, the review found that 4% formalin should be the first-line treatment for CHRP. Formalin and argon plasma coagulation (APC) were equally effective, with formalin being superior for severe cases, and patients not responding to these treatments required referral for hyperbaric oxygen therapy or surgery.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients experiencing chronic haemorrhagic radiation proctitis (CHRP) may benefit from a structured treatment approach, starting with 4% formalin. If initial treatments like formalin or argon plasma coagulation are ineffective, this review supports considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a next step before surgery.
Canadian Relevance
While the study authors are not Canadian, chronic haemorrhagic radiation proctitis is a condition that falls under Health Canada-recognized indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation tissue damage.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this review is that the included studies could not be directly compared, and few focused on patients' quality of life after treatment.