Combined treatment of the late grade III radiation proctitis using chemical coagulation with 2.5% formalin after hormone radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Radiation therapy is a highly effective treatment for prostate cancer, however, some patients develop radiation complications that worsen their quality of life. According to various authors opinion, the incidence of the late radiation proctitis (RP), ranges from 5% to 21%. Some of the patients cured of a malignant neoplasm acquire a new disease that requires long-term treatment. The article presents a clinical case of successful treatment of grade III RP with the use of chemical coagulation with 2.5% formalin solution (CCF) as part of complex conservative therapy. There were no complications during CCF. After the treatment and the development of RP remission, the patient was observed in our department on an outpatient basis for 2 years (every six months) without relapses and progression of the underlying cancer, as well as without exacerbations of radiation injuries. In this clinical case, there is a successful treatment of grade III RP toxicity and its remission after 7 months without complications. Treatment of RP remains a difficult task and should be carried out taking into account the degree of toxicity/severity according to the RTOG/EORTC classification and the endoscopic picture. It is necessary to further study new approaches in the treatment of this category of patients. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.