Have you seen an increase in rectal spasms with short course vs long course radiation for rectal cancer?

The side effect profile is very different with 25/5 RT vs long course CRT.

There is no question that 25/5 is “easier” to finish, because the side effects almost invariably start after the last fraction.

The acute toxicity of 25/5 is after treatment and, as mentioned above, includes spasm, sensation of bloating/distension. It can be remarkably uncomfortable and the first time my patients experienced it, I sent them to the emergency room. After treating many more patients, I began to pre-emptively...

Yes.

In a general overview of toxicity, for SCRT, I generally discuss the following with my patients.

Quality: dysuria, tenesmus with small frequent stools (or mucus discharge, especially if diverted), skin reaction more rare but occurs.

Timing: escalation of symptoms at 1 week post-RT with approximately 1-2 week duration. Agree that consolidative chemotherapy should not be started until symptoms have significantly improved to prevent overlap/flare/recall.

Management: ibuprofen for pain and dysu...

No

With FFS and TNT... Standard fractions it is...