Colorectal cancer patients may be able to skip radiation treatment, leading to an improved quality of life, according to a breakthrough study conducted by the UCSF Medical Center. Traditionally, radiation treatment has been a standard part of colorectal cancer treatment; however, it often comes with serious side effects such as immediate menopause and damage to sexual function.
One patient, Dr. Amy Lawson, a Bay Area pediatrician who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, has experienced the negative impact of intense treatment before. In college, she battled sarcoma and endured a year of intensive chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, which resulted in permanent nerve injury.
However, a recent clinical trial presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology offers hope for a less debilitating treatment. UCSF specialist Dr. Alan Venook, who helped design the study, found that less treatment could be just as effective for many rectal cancer patients. Radiation treatment for women, especially, can lead to menopause and damage to sexual and bowel function. By safely avoiding this treatment, patients can potentially prevent severe consequences.
The study followed 1,194 patients over 8 years, randomly assigning them to two groups. One group received standard treatment involving radiation, surgery, and possibly chemotherapy, while the other group received chemotherapy first and then surgery. Only a few patients in the latter group received radiation if the chemotherapy did not shrink the tumor. The study found no difference in survival rates between the two groups, but the group that did not receive radiation reported a significantly better quality of life with reduced fatigue, improved sexual function, and decreased nerve damage.
Dr. Venook explained that the medical community has recognized the need to strike a balance between curing patients and over-treating them. This study suggests a potential avenue for less intense treatment without compromising patient survival or increasing the risk of cancer recurrence. However, further research will be conducted to confirm these results.
Dr. Lawson, who is currently in treatment for her colorectal cancer, is hopeful about the new approach. If it proves to be safe and supported by data, she believes it would be a welcome option that could minimize the impact on patients’ bodies. Her positive attitude is a driving force in her fight against cancer, and she continues to support others by crocheting and distributing handmade octopuses to nurses and strangers.
As Dr. Lawson and Dr. Venook determine the next steps in her treatment, they will closely monitor her body’s response to chemotherapy. The goal is to make the best decisions based on her individual circumstances. While battling cancer is never easy, Dr. Lawson feels grateful for the support she has and remains determined to maintain a positive outlook.
The findings of this study offer hope for colorectal cancer patients, providing an alternative treatment approach that may reduce side effects and improve quality of life. As further research is conducted, the medical community can continue exploring ways to optimize treatment options for patients, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
