Objective To explore the prevention and treatment effect of thalidomide on acute radiation proctitis, and the influence on the living quality of patients during radiotherapy.

Methods Ninety cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy after surgery were divided randomly into two groups: 45 cases in the experimental group (thalidomide combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy) and 45 cases in the control group (only concurrent chemoradiotherapy). The two groups were observed on the occurrence of acute radiation proctitis and the changes of Karnofsky score, sleep status, diet status and weight status.

Results The levels of acute radiation proctitis in the experimental group were lower than that in the control group with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The improvement rates of Karnofsky score, sleep status, diet status and weight status in the experimental group were all better than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion Thalidomide, which can improve the living quality of patients during radiotherapy and guarantee radiotherapy process going smoothly, is a safe and effective method for the prevention and treatment of acute radiation proctitis.