Predictors of radiation-induced gastrointestinal morbidity: A prospective, longitudinal study following radiotherapy for carcinoma of the prostate.

Background Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity occurs in ≥50% of patients after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for carcinoma of prostate (CaP). This prospective, longitudinal study examines which baseline measurements of: 1) homocysteine and micronutrients in plasma; 2) chromosome damage/misrepair biomarkers; and 3) anal and rectal dose volume metrics predict GI morbidity after EBRT. Patients and methods In total, 106 patients with CaP had evaluations of GI symptoms (modified LENT-SOMA questionnaires) before EBRT and at one month, one, two and three years after its completion.

Pudendal nerve injury in men with fecal incontinence after radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Background: The precise etiology of fecal incontinence (FI), which occurs frequently following external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for prostate carcinoma is unknown. It is possibly related to pelvic nerve injury. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of pudendal nerve dysfunction in men with FI after EBRT for prostate cancer compared to men with FI but no history of EBRT.

Pathophysiology and natural history of anorectal sequelae following radiation therapy for carcinoma of the prostate.

Purpose: To characterize the prevalence, pathophysiology, and natural history of chronic radiation proctitis 5 years following radiation therapy (RT) for localized carcinoma of the prostate.

Methods And Materials: Studies were performed in 34 patients (median age 68 years; range 54-79) previously randomly assigned to either 64 Gy in 32 fractions over 6.4 weeks or 55 Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks RT schedule using 2- and later 3-dimensional treatment technique for localized prostate carcinoma.

Disturbed colonic motility contributes to anorectal symptoms and dysfunction after radiotherapy for carcinoma of the prostate.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of colonic motility in the pathogenesis of anorectal symptoms and dysfunction after radiotherapy (RT) for carcinoma of the prostate.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-eight patients, median age 71 (range, 50-81) years with localized prostate carcinoma randomized to one of two radiation dose schedules underwent colonic transit scintigraphy and assessment of anorectal symptoms (questionnaire), anorectal function (manometry), and anal sphincteric morphology (endoanal ultrasound) before and at 1 month and 1 year after RT.

Results: Whole and distal colonic transit increased 1 month after RT, with faster distal colonic transit only persisting at 1 year.

Anorectal function after three- versus two-dimensional radiation therapy for carcinoma of the prostate.

Purpose: To compare the effects of (three-dimensional) 3D vs. two-dimensional (2D) radiation therapy (RT) for carcinoma of the prostate on the prevalence and pathophysiology of anorectal dysfunction.

Methods And Materials: Anorectal symptoms, motility, sensory function, and anal sphincter morphology were evaluated before and up to 2 years after randomly assigned hypofractionated vs.

Roles of muscarinic receptor subtypes in small intestinal motor dysfunction in acute radiation enteritis.

Administration of abdominal radiotherapy results in small intestinal motor dysfunction. We have developed a rat radiation enteritis model that, after exposure in vivo, shows high-amplitude, long-duration (HALD) pressure waves in ex vivo ileal segments. These resemble in vivo dysmotility where giant contractions migrate both antegradely and retrogradely.