Some patients with rectal cancer can safely forego neoadjuvant radiation therapy
Preoperative radiation therapy can be safely omitted for many patients with non-locally advanced rectal cancer, according to a study published today. JAMA Oncology. Researchers found that a 50% absolute reduction in the use of radiation therapy at the national level did not worsen outcomes for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. To examine the impact […]
Rectal spacer reduces gastrointestinal toxicity from hypofractionated prostate radiation
Recent findings suggest that rectal spacers containing hyaluronic acid can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal toxicity from hypofractionated prostate cancer radiotherapy. Hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer is more convenient and cost-effective than conventionally fractionated radiotherapy but is associated with greater grade 2 acute gastrointestinal toxic effects. The rectal spacer creates distance between the prostate and […]
How women can manage their sexual health after pelvic radiation
Radiation therapy to the pelvis can be used to treat gastrointestinal cancers, such as anal and rectal cancer. Because the anal canal and rectum are very close to a woman’s genitals, side effects from pelvic radiation can affect a woman’s sexual health. Here we answer frequently asked questions about the sexual side effects of pelvic […]
Rectal cancer treatment without radiation: new options
Even successful treatments can be improved to provide patients with more options, including fewer side effects. That’s the benefit of a major clinical trial (study) on rectal cancer treatment without radiation, announced in early June at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the nation’s largest cancer society. The research also […]