Study: Radiation Results in Impaired Function for Many Rectal Cancer Patients

Memorial Sloan Kettering researchers report there is mounting evidence that radiation therapy, which is frequently used as an adjunct to surgery for rectal cancer, results in impaired bowel and sexual function for many patients.

The researchers said they reviewed the published data from a number of small studies on bowel and sexual functional changes associated with radiation therapy in an effort to determine the optimal treatment strategy.

"In general, bowel function as measured by frequency, urgency, evacuation, sensation, and/or continence is impaired after radiation therapy when compared with patients not treated with radiation therapy," the researchers reported in the journal Seminars in Radiation Oncology.

"Sexual function is poorly studied, but data suggest that radiation therapy has a negative impact in both men and women," the researchers added.

They said that while the number of patients treated with radiation therapy prior to surgery is presently limited, "preoperative radiation therapy tends to cause less impairment than postoperative radiation therapy."

"Further study is necessary to understand the extent of impairment, optimize radiation strategies, and select patients who will gain the most with radiation therapy," the researchers concluded.

Other sources: Seminars in Radiation Oncology