A Review of the Causes, Investigation, Treatment and Prevention of Chronic Radiation Enteritis

Abstract

The incidence of chronic radiation enteritis is increasing as more patients undergo pelvic radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Because symptom aetiology within any one patient is often multifactorial, it is important to adopt a structured approach when investigating gastrointestinal symptoms in patients who have received radiotherapy, as this should allow better targeting of the therapies that are available. However, because the evidence base for these therapies is currently limited, oncologists and specialist gastroenterologists should work together to establish clinical networks that will facilitate multi-centred study into the management and prevention of this ever-increasing disease.