Evaluation of short-chain fatty acid enemas: Treatment of radiation proctitis

Background: Radiation proctitis is a common complication of abdominal and pelvic radiotherapy; unfortunately, there is no established effective therapy for radiation proctitis. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) have been effectively used to treat a variety of colitides. We sought to determine whether SCFA enemas have a role in the treatment of radiation proctitis. Methods: Seven patients completed an open-labeled, pilot study to evaluate the effect of SCFA on clinical, endoscopic, and pathological parameters of radiation proctitis. Results: Four weeks of treatment with SCFA enemas resulted in clinical improvement in all patients. There were modest, but not significant, changes in endoscopic and pathological parameters. Conclusion: SCFA are a promising therapeutic option in radiation proctitis.