Radiation Proctitis in Patients With Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Treated by Chemoradiation

Background: Radiation proctitis is a misunderstanding complication of chemoradiation in locally advanced cervical cancer. The objective of our study is to provide a detailed description and analysis of predictive factors associated with radiation proctitis in a retrospective cohort of patients treated by chemoradiation for locally advanced cervical cancer. Methods: All patients treated by exclusive chemoradiation or chemoradiation followed by brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer from 2011 to 2017 were included in the study. A bivariate analysis was conducted to establish correlations between the occurrence of radiation proctitis and various clinical and technical variables. Results: A total of 128 patients were included in the study. The mean dose (SD) to the planning target volume was 47.1 Gy (6.2). Fifty-nine (46.1%) patients underwent brachytherapy. Sixteen patients (12.5%) developed radiation proctitis, grade 2 or higher in 12 patients (9.3%). In univariate analysis, anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatments (P=0.039), older age (P=0.049), rectal volume irradiated at 40 Gy (P=0.01) and 30 Gy (P=0.037) were significantly associated with the occurrence of a grade ≥2 radiation proctitis. The delivered dose to 2 cm3 of rectum (D2cm3) showed a potential association with the occurrence of radiation proctitis of all grades (P=0.064). Conclusion: This study highlights clinical and technical factors that should be considered in assessing the risk of radiation proctitis. These results contribute to a better understanding of this complication.