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1.
Radiother Oncol ; 126(3): 417-423, 2018 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29398154

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The HERBERT study evaluated a high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy boost (HDREBT) after EBRT in medically inoperable/elderly patients with rectal cancer. The response-rates are promising but not without risk of toxicity. The current analysis provides a comprehensive overview of patient reported, physician reported and endoscopically observed toxicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A brachytherapy dose finding study was performed in 38 inoperable/elderly patients with T2-T4N0-1 rectal cancer. Patients received EBRT (13 × 3 Gy) followed by three weekly HDREBT applications (5-8 Gy). Toxicity was assessed via three methods: patient and physician (CTCAEv3) reported rectal symptoms and endoscopically. Wilcoxon's signed rank test, paired t-test and Spearman's correlation were used. RESULTS: Patient reported bowel symptoms showed a marked increase at the end of EBRT and two weeks after HDREBT. Acute grade 2 and 3 proctitis occurred in 68.4% and 13.2% respectively while late grade 2 and ≥3 proctitis occurred in 48% and 40%. Endoscopic evaluation mainly showed erythema and telangiectasia. In three patients frank haemorrhage or ulceration occurred. Most severe toxicity was observed 12-18 months after treatment. CONCLUSION: For elderly patients with rectal cancer, definitive radiotherapy can provide good tumour response but has a substantial risk of toxicity. The potential benefit and risks of a HDREBT boost above EBRT alone must be further evaluated.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy/adverse effects , Proctitis/epidemiology , Rectal Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Radiotherapy/adverse effects , Radiotherapy Dosage
2.
Support Care Cancer ; 25(3): 729-737, 2017 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27787681

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Although vaginal dilator use after combined pelvic radiation therapy and brachytherapy (RT/BT) is recommended to prevent vaginal shortening and stenosis, women fail to use them and experience sexual problems. A nurse-led sexual rehabilitation intervention targeting sexual recovery and vaginal dilatation was developed. Its feasibility was investigated during a prospective, longitudinal, observational pilot study. METHODS: Four oncology nurses were specifically trained to conduct the intervention. Gynecologic cancer patients treated with RT/BT were assessed using (i) questionnaires on frequency of dilator use (monthly), sexual functioning, and sexual distress (at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months) and psychological and relational distress (at 1, 6, and 12 months); (ii) semi-structured interviews (between 6 and 12 months); and (iii) consultation recordings (a random selection of 21 % of all consults). RESULTS: Twenty participants were 26-71 years old (mean = 40). Eight participants discontinued participation after 3 to 9 months. At 6 months after RT, 14 out of 16 (88 %), and at 12 months 9 out of 12 (75 %), participants dilated regularly, either by having sexual intercourse or by using dilators. Sexual functioning improved between 1 and 6 months after RT, with further improvement at 12 months. Most participants reported that the intervention was helpful and the nurses reported having sufficient expertise and counseling skills. CONCLUSIONS: According to the pilot results, the intervention was feasible and promising for sexual rehabilitation and regular dilator use after RT. Its (cost-)effectiveness will be investigated in a randomized controlled trial.


Subject(s)
Genital Neoplasms, Female/nursing , Genital Neoplasms, Female/rehabilitation , Nurse's Role , Radiation Injuries/nursing , Radiation Injuries/rehabilitation , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Aged , Brachytherapy/adverse effects , Constriction, Pathologic/etiology , Constriction, Pathologic/nursing , Constriction, Pathologic/rehabilitation , Female , Genital Neoplasms, Female/physiopathology , Genital Neoplasms, Female/radiotherapy , Humans , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Prospective Studies , Radiation Injuries/etiology , Radiation Injuries/physiopathology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vagina/pathology , Vagina/physiopathology , Vagina/radiation effects
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