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 (V_C, 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 V_C combined with the treatment of severe radiation proctitis is safe and effective.