Epidemiological Profile, Gastrointestinal Toxicity, and Treatment of Pelvic Cancers in Patients Managed with Radiotherapy to the Abdominal Pelvic Area

Rev Invest Clin. 2018;70(3):112-116. doi: 10.24875/RIC.18002528.

Abstract

Mexico has seen an increase in cancer prevalence in its entire population as well as particular age ranges, predominantly the older segment. The most frequently reported pelvic cancers in Mexico are cervical, endometrial, bladder, prostate, rectum, and anal canal. Approximately 80% of the population diagnosed with pelvic cancers present with locally advanced tumors and require concomitant chemoradiotherapy, sequential chemoradiotherapy, or radiotherapy alone. The toxicity of any of these treatment modalities may be manifested as intestinal injury, a significant problem that can compromise the response to treatment, the patient's nutritional state, quality of life, and survival. In this article, we will approach key aspects in nutrition as well as the epidemiological characteristics and toxicities in patients affected by these pelvic tumors.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Epidemiology; Gastrointestinal toxicity; Pelvic cancer; Radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemoradiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Chemoradiotherapy / methods
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Mexico / epidemiology
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life*
  • Radiation Injuries / epidemiology
  • Radiation Injuries / physiopathology