Targeted radiotherapy.

Good morning Adele M .

I have a friend who has ulcerative colitis and underwent pelvic radiotherapy for prostate cancer many years ago. At the time he was given a drink to protect the gut but we cannot remember what it was. His treatment was successful and he has had no problems apart from an occasional flare up.

I can remember a conversation earlier this year on the forum about Crohn's with Jonnymac22 who was going down the Brachytherapy route without radiotherapy so I have tagged him in to see if he has any words of wisdom.

I know that there was little response from other sufferers so I don't think you will get many replies so whatever information you can supply will be useful knowledge.

My husband has recently undergone a very targeted form of radiotherapy called SBRT which is supposed to have less collateral damage so maybe something to ask about plus I was wondering if any of the focal therapies might be suitable such as cryotherapy. Just throwing suggestions out there. Is additional surgery to remove the offending area out of the question? Another question is whether Spaceoar  might be used in your husband's situation - it has been approved by NICE for men with Crohn's and colitis to protect the rectum prior to radiotherapy but is not available in all areas although there is nothing to stop him having it done if he is willing to travel.

Hi ,the best route for myself with Crohn’s is Brachnytherapy HDR with tubes inserted and seeds put in to kill the tumor , and took out after procedure, because with Crohn’s there’s a big risk of perforating , more opps and stoma for life , with having gone through that 13 years ago re perforating and lucky to survive it , it wasn’t an option for me the radio  therapy , so I may try a third opinion to see if any one will do the brachytherapy with me having a cough ( bronchiattici( spell check ) should be probably about just having my procedure as I txt this morning if the surgeon hadn’t changed procedures re anaesthetic, so to be told it’s HT injections for the foreseeable was a bit hard to take in , as I’m a fit 68 year old builder who works 12 hours a day on the trowel with no problems, so I’m sure a few hours laid on me back for procedures won’t be a problem, but I guess if he won’t risk it then I’m knackered , Jonny Mac alias

• Many thanks for your reply. I will show hubby. He had prostate removal in 2018.
  Think oncologist said targeted, using some gel or substance to stop radiation affecting other tissue??
  I hope you are doing well.
  phil is 59. Had op when he was 53.
  Thankfully he is fit and well at this time. Colitis in remission, We hoping they will allow him to have the treatment.  

Hi Adele. This is probably the SpaceOAR Hydrogel which is a temporary barrier injected between the prostate area and the rectum and is supposed to give about 70% protection against the radiotherapy. It is a one off injection given either under local or general anaesthetic which will be good for about 3 months and will then gradually disperse.

Thank you. It does sound like what the oncologist was talking about. Here’s hoping they will let him have it. To me, makes sense to get it whilst it’s small so less risk of damaging other tissue. This forum is so helpful for information. Wishing you both well.