PELVIC RADIATION DISEASE

Background

Radiotherapy has played a major role in both the curative and palliative treatment of cancer patients for decades. However, its toxic effect to the surrounding normal healthy tissue remains a major drawback. In cases of intra-abdominal and/or pelvic malignancy, healthy bowel is inevitably included in the radiation field, causing undesirable consequences that subsequently manifest as radiation-induced bowel injury or pelvic radiation disease (PRD), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of PRD is poorly understood, although we now know that it derives from a complex interplay of intestinal epithelial cell injury and alterations in the enteric immune, nervous, and vascular systems in genetically predisposed individuals.

Current Research

Dr Farooq Rahman is a gastroenterologist with extensive experience in managing individuals with pelvic radiation disease and is currently developing a research programme to improve our understanding of the condition

Review on pelvic radiation disease

Our group has recently published a review article on the potential mechanistic role the microbiome plays in pelvic radiation disease. To access the full manuscript please click on the image above.

Association between pelvic radiation disease and the microbiome

The gut microbiome contains trillions of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses. Each person has a unique microbiome. A growing number of diseases are associated with changes in the microbiome composition, which is believed to impact on disease progression. This project is designed to determine if the microbiome has a role to play in the development of pelvic radiation disease.

Interested in funding research in pelvic radiation disease

Critical research in to the processes involved in the development of pelvic radiation disease can only succeed through hard work and substantial financial support. If you are in a position to help please contact us via the link above.