Plasma prostaglandin levels in radiation-induced enteritis

• Published in: International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. 275 - 277
• Main Authors: Lifshitz, Samuel, Savage, John E., Taylor, Kevin A., Tewfik, Hamed H., Van Orden, Dianna E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.02.1982
• Subjects: Adult; Diarrhea - etiology; Dinoprost - analogs & derivatives; Enteritis - blood; Enteritis - etiology; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female - blood; Genital Neoplasms, Female - radiotherapy; Humans; Middle Aged; Prostaglandins; Prostaglandins E - blood; Prostaglandins F - blood; Radiation enteritis; Radioimmunoassay; Radiotherapy - adverse effects; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiation enteritis; Prostaglandins
• ISSN: 0360-3016; 1879-355X
• DOI: 10.1016/0360-3016(82)90527-2

Increased prostaglandin synthesis has been implicated as a causative factor in the production of radiation induced enteritis. Seventeen patients selected to begin pelvic irradiation for treatment of gynecological cancer had plasma Prostaglandin E, Prostaglandin F, and 13, 14 dihydro 15 keto PGF 2α metabolite determined by radioimmunoassay, prior to initiation of radiotherapy, at weekly intervals during treatment and at six weeks following completion of radiotherapy. A total of 362 prostaglandin determinations were performed. Thirteen patients (76%) developed significant diarrhea consisting of three or more watery bowel movements per day. Nine patients (53%) had intermittent colicky pain and six patients (35%) had nausea and vomiting during treatment. Statistical evaluation revealed no significant elevation of plasma prostaglandins during radiotherapy.