Pelvic Radiation Disease, a frequent damage to the intestinal microbiota resulting from radiotherapy treatment of the pelvic region, has harmful effects on the quality of life of patients. Scientists from the IRSN radiobiology laboratory have initiated three theses on the subject, to find treatments for these side effects.
The Institute of Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) communicates, in an article published on its site, on the work initiated by the scientists of this institution on the theme of gastrointestinal disorders which occur following radiotherapy for pelvic cancer.
Pelvic Radiation Disease, common damage to the intestinal microbiota resulting from radiotherapy treatment of the pelvic region
Ninety percent of patients who undergo such treatment in this anatomical region suffer from functional digestive disorders caused by irradiation. This disease, called Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD), causes a deterioration in the quality of life of patients with, for the most serious cases, frequent hospitalizations.
At IRSN, for several years, scientists from the radiobiology laboratory for medical exhibitions in Fontenay-aux-Roses have been working on possible treatments for PRD by acting on the intestinal microbiota. A balanced and varied diet rich in fiber, as well as the administration of prebiotics or probiotics in particular, could prevent or limit changes in the quality of the intestinal microbiota.
Three theses from the IRSN radiobiology laboratory to find treatments for these side effects
The first thesis on the subject (2016-2020), carried out by Alexia Lapière, an engineer graduated from the industrial biology school of Cergy-Pontoise (Val d’Oise), highlighted the therapeutic use of certain intestinal bacteria corresponding to so-called “new generation” probiotics. A second thesis (2019-2023) is led by Mallia Geiger, pharmacist at the Philippe-Maupas faculty, in Tours. It involves the sequencing of the entire genome of bacteria in the microbiota, which makes it possible to better assess the temporal impact of irradiation on their metabolic capacities.
These bacteria and their metabolic pathways therefore constitute a new potential therapeutic target for PRD. The use of a specific diet rich in fiber is the subject of a third thesis started at the beginning of November 2023 and carried out by Calixte Cottineau, an engineer graduated from the Cergy-Pontoise school of industrial biology. This work aims to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of the microbiota on our health and to ultimately propose therapeutic strategies for PRD through diet.
Access the IRN file in its entirety by following THIS LINK.
Bruno Benque with IRSN
