Radiation Medicine and Protection (Jun 2024)
Treatment of severe radiation proctitis with high dosage of vitamin C in combination with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor
Abstract
Objective: To explore the new treatment strategies for radiation proctitis, which is the most common complication of pelvic tumor malignancies. Methods: Four cases of patients with severe radiation proctitis were treated with high-dosage vitamin C (VC, 12–24 g/d, iv) combined with cyclooxygenase-2 (cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2) inhibitors. Results: For these four cases, the diarrhea, hematochezia, tenesmus, pain, and other symptoms were significantly improved. The edema of the rectal wall is also significantly improved in the imaging review. Conclusion: The high-dosage VC combined with the treatment of severe radiation proctitis is safe and effective.