Faecal calprotectin and lactoferrin values during irradiation of prostate cancer correlate with chronic radiation proctitis: Results of a prospective study

Abstract

Within a group of 19 patients followed for two years after irradiation for prostate cancer, and 47 patients tested 40 months after irradiation, increased faecal values of calprotectin and lactoferrin were significantly correlated with the occurrence of chronic proctitis. This observation should be confirmed in an expanded study.

Gastrointestinal Safety Pharmacology in Drug Discovery and Development

“…High levels of fecal calprotectin can differentiate between patients with inflammatory or neoplastic bowel diseases and those with irritable bowel syndrome or normal volunteers (Costa et al 2005). Several groups have studied the role of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin as a biomarker of gastrointestinal toxicity after pelvic radiotherapy (Wedlake et al 2008;Larsen et al 2004Larsen et al , 2007Hille et al 2009). These fecal markers have been shown to potentially predict chronic gastrointestinal toxicity.…”

Effects of Radiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer on Anorectal Function

“…The adverse effects of pelvic radiation in the anorectal sphincter (both muscular and neurogenic) and rectal reservoir capacity and compliance have long since been documented [1,2]. Rectal cancer is a relatively common malignancy and more recently the role for neoadjuvant chemoradiation has been defined.…”

“…The most commonly irradiated pelvic organs are the prostate and cervix, followed by the anus [2]. The adverse effects of pelvic radiation in the anorectal sphincter (both muscular and neurogenic) and rectal reservoir capacity and compliance have long since been documented [1,2].…”

“…Patient-related risk factors include conditions such as diabetes, connective tissue diseases, malnutrition, and general medical condition. In addition, patients who develop acute radiation proctopathy are probably more likely to develop late radiation proctopathy [2].…”

This month in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology

“…Hille and co-workers from Gottingen, Germany studied faecal calprotectin and lactoferrin in patients irradiated due to cancer of the prostate and compared the values with the symptoms of proctitis [5]. The study indicates that both markers are useful in the evaluation of rectal inflammation.…”