Brief Answer:
Radiation is given to kill cancer cells in rectal area

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Radiation treatment for cancer is available for the treatment of cancer cells in the rectum. In my experience I have seen many patients doing well after being given radiation for the rectum cancer, though surgery and chemotherapy are also equally important in managing the condition.

The radiation for cancer cells can be given either before or following in patients having cancer of the rectum. It is also given to elderly patients, patients who are medically unfit for surgery and those in who surgery can be difficult.

In the present day, radiation is delivered inside the rectal cavity with the help of tubes fitted into an endorectal applicator, which is then inserted into the rectum. This is done under anesthesia so that the patient is at least discomfort and the procedure is called high dose rate endorectal brachytherapy. The radiation is given with precision and after extensive planning and dose calculation based on the area to be irradiated and causes least side effect on adjacent structures.

Ideally high dose brachytherapy is usually given once a week for a total of three weeks, with concurrent capecitabine chemotherapy. Complete treatment details are individualized and your doctor might give you a particular dose and regimen of radiation as required.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

I have done part of my training and specialized in radiology in oncology and worked with hundreds of cancer patients. Your questions are valid and I am glad to share my information with you as below.

1. Radiation therapy is in general of many types with different sources and types of radiation delivery equipment. The radiation for rectal cancers is usually delivered inside the rectal cavity with the help of tubes fitted into an endorectal applicator, which is then inserted into the rectum.

2. The above technique uses a cylinder applicator to deliver focused radiation to the surface of the tumor area in the rectum. Once the cylinder is placed in the rectum, a wire with a radiation source at the tip is slowly inserted into the lumen of cylinder. As it moves through the cylindrical applicator, it delivers very focused radiation to the surface of the tumor.

3. In the above method the radiation targets the tumor and lesser amounts reach the nearby tissue surrounding the tumor that could contain cancer cells. Normal tissue such as the bladder, small intestines, and sexual organs are farther away from the probe and almost completely spared from the radiation.

4. The treatment only takes about 15 minutes and the radiation is completely removed from the body after treatment. Therefore there is no imminent risk to family, grandchildren and friends you will be meeting once you are back home after the treatment.

5. It is important to say that there are some sources used in other techniques in which the source can be temporarily or permanently seeded in the rectal region. Should you be getting treated by such temporary or permanent seeding doses of radiation then you must be made aware about it by your doctor.

6. In case a patient is being treated by a temporary radioactive source implant: while the implant is in place, women who are pregnant and children younger than 18 should not visit the person receiving treatment. Other visitors should sit at least six feet from the patient’s bed and limit their stay to 30 minutes or less each day.

7. If a patient is having a permanent radioactive seeding implant: they should not have close (less than six feet) or lengthy (more than five minutes) contact with women who are pregnant and children for two months.

8. If your doctor recommends any treatment with any radioactive source that will remain in your blood and system for a while then more strict precautions are needed that includes the following
Washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet
Using separate utensils and towels
Drinking plenty of fluids to flush the remaining radioactive material from the body
Avoiding sexual contact
Minimizing contact with infants, children, and women who are pregnant

8. There are long term effects or radiation for a colorectal cancer but these side effects outweigh the benefits. Some patients experience minimal or no side effects. Others might have few side effects which includes weakness, slight hardness and skin changes, infertility, erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that most men are uninformed about erectile dysfunction and and unprepared for it, and the majority neither help themselves nor ask for help. This can better with time and effective communication with your wife.

9. If you have the will power to fight cancer then nothing can stop you from having an active mind in the coming years. Please be positive minded and remain active all along your treatment. Treat yourself like a soldier who wins the war after each treatment and celebrate your existence.

10. Please do not hesitate to ask even the slightest doubt to your immediate health care provider even if it appears trivial.

Wishing you a quick recovery.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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