Is radiation therapy contraindicated in the setting of an active abdominopelvic infection?
For example, would you give SBRT for HCC with concurrent liver abscesses or short course radiation therapy for a perforated rectal adenocarcinoma with possible infection?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
This question seems deceptively straightforward, but it is anything but straightforward.
There are two major issues here: the first is what does "active infection" mean?
The second is "why is radiotherapy being considered"?
With respect to the infection issue, does the questioner mean an active i...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
Radiation is not contraindicated in the setting of active infection. Often, the presence of active tumor PREVENTS healing of any infection in the proximity of these tumors; and by treating the patient's tumor, healing can be expedited. I am not aware of studies looking at this; but one of my persona...
Comments
Radiation Oncologist at Southtowns Radiation Oncology PC I have had similar experiences with two post-menop...
Amen!