Notes From Conference of International Neoplasia Society 3/17/15

mp327
mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

 

 

 

Reposting as requested.

 

Notes from conference

I have gone over my notes from the conference yesterday and will try to summarize as best I can.  Dr. Eng and the two other professionals who spoke were quite squeezed for time, so they zipped through everything really fast, so my notes are sketchy, but here goes.

Dr. Eng

  1. The most important thing she said, IMO, was that radiation treatment should be done with breaks of NO MORE THAN ONE DAY for the best possible results.
  2. For treatment of mets, go to a facility that has lots of experience in treating mets.
  3. Patient comfort is vital to a patient’s ability to complete their treatment.
  4. Patients should have a multi-disciplinary medical team, including PharmD for instructions on medications and a gynecologist to monitor for issues related to HPV/treatment.
  5. She uses Cisplatin in place of Mitomycin on her patients, due to decreased toxicities.
  6. Side effects can include radiation dermatitis, fatigue, urinary tract infection, low blood counts, diarrhea, mouth sores and radiation enteritis.
  7. Post-treatment follow-up should include DRE and proctoscopy.
  8. Radiation can continue to work for 24 weeks post-treatment.
  9. No biopsies until atleast 24 weeks post-treatment and then only if indicated.
  10. She recommended Metamucil.
  11. This group of physicians is working on establishing a standard protocol for follow-up.
  12. She recommends only 5 weeks of radiation
  13. Follow-up needs to include regular gynecology visits
  14. Follow-ups with a colorectal doctor should be every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for an additional 3 years.

 

Shelley Smith DeCecco, PT, Phd, CLT-LANA:

           She highly recommends therapy for pelvic floor issues and lymphedema, which are her specialties.  Pelvic floor therapy is helpful with painful intercourse.

 

 

Stephanie Boyea, MS, RD

 

  1.  Instead of BRAT diet:

Small, frequent meals every 3 hours

Low fat, low soluble fiber

Low lactose

Low insoluble fiber (less than 2 g fiber/serving)

  1.  Diarrhea Management

No artificial sweeteners

No caffeine

Add bulking agents (psyllium, pectin, potatoes, oatmeal)

Lean protein

More than 12 cups of fluids/day

 

  1. Constipation Management

Stool softeners

Osmotic laxatives (Miralax)

  1.  Appetite Simulants

Parenteral nutrition

IV fluids

Oral lactose enzyme

  1. Survivorship Side Effects

Abdominal cramping

Diarrhea/Constipation

 

March 21st. is Anal Cancer Awareness Day, supported by www.AnalCancer-ABumRap.com.  Please check out their website.

The HPV and Anal Cancer Foundation has a Peer-to-Peer Program for support.  If anyone is interested in participating in this program, please go to their website at www.analcancerfoundation.org.

I met and talked with Justine Almada who, along with her sister Camille and brother Tristan, founded this organization after their mother was diagnosed with and died of anal cancer.  They are all very committed to this organization and it is one of our best hopes for improving treatment, raising awareness, and working towards prevention.

Comments

  • Bjc57
    Bjc57 Member Posts: 24
    edited January 2017 #2
    Thank you for reposting,

    Thank you for reposting, Martha!

     

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #3
    Bjc57

    You're most welcome!

  • Phoebesnow
    Phoebesnow Member Posts: 600 Member
    edited January 2017 #4
    Martha

    Thank you!  One questioN.  does that mean no weekend breaks for radiation?   

  • Phoebesnow
    Phoebesnow Member Posts: 600 Member
    #5
    Martha

    Thank you!  One questioN.  does that mean no weekend breaks for radiation?   

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #6
    Phoebesnow said:

    Martha

    Thank you!  One questioN.  does that mean no weekend breaks for radiation?   

    Phoebesnow

    No.  What Dr. Eng was referring to were necessary breaks due to extensive burning, low blood counts, or other serious side effects being suffered by the patient during the course of treatment. 

    As an example, when I was towards the end of my treatment, I was pretty badly burned and very miserable.  My doctor checked me once a week and at that time, he became concerned about my condition and offered to let me take a break, then resume radiation when my skin had recovered a bit.  I do not recall how many days off he suggested.  However, I just wanted to get it over with and refused to take any days off.  I believe it's standard for patients to have two days off over the weekend during this treatment.  I do not see how a person could possibly get through it without those intended breaks.

    Martha

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