What is your first line strategy in managing acute esophagitis during thoracic RT?
I've been prescribing sucralfate as first line symptom management but I sometimes see zero benefit. The randomized data doesn't support its use either. What is a good first line strategy before going to narcotics?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
Zombie Question (dead thread reanimated by theMednet)!!! The amount of esophagitis that I see in practice has really diminished over the course of my long, graying career. If you ever wanted to see a horrific esophagitis, treat a Turrisi regimen to those volumes. 60% of patients got Grade 2+ esophag...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
We typically begin with an institutional formulation (xyloxylin) that is similar to magic mouthwash. If that is not sufficient (and it frequently is not) then we begin narcotics, typically hydrocodone/APAP. If the patient is maximizing this regimen and taking it around the clock, then we treat with ...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
We routinely offer patients amifostine (500 mg sc) prior to each fraction of RT (on non-chemotherapy days) as a method of prophylaxis. Our series suggests a postponement in the development of esophagitis (measured as initiation of opiate use) in patients treated using the cytoprotectant. O...