Papillon

The Papillon 50 device is used in the field of colorectal cancer and currently only the Swiss Medical Network has this device in Switzerland. The Papillon technology is a proven alternative to surgery for rectal cancer patients as long as the tumour is located in the last section of the digestive system and diagnosed at an early stage.

Application & effect

Interview: Dr Picardi and Dr Christen

Therapy

Rectal cancer: Radiotherapy gives cancer patients new hope

Rectal cancer is a colon tumour with the most serious consequences for patients. Apart from the emotional burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis, the possible creation of a stoma (artificial bowel outlet) is fraught with many prejudices and may mean a deep cut in the patient's life, even if this should only be temporary.

Local contact radiation therapy with the Papillon technique, which we now also offer at Privatklinik Bethanien and Clinique Générale-Beaulieu, is an alternative to surgery for selected rectal cancer patients.

Application of the Papillon technique

This technique is suitable for certain patients with rectal cancer (cancer of the rectum, the last part of the colon before the anus). The current standard treatment for this type of tumour is combined radio- and chemotherapy, followed six to eight weeks later by surgery. In the case of tumours that are close to the anus, the operation can lead to a temporary or permanent artificial anus, which may permanently reduce the patient's quality of life and self-esteem. This leads to considerable impairment of quality of life, especially in older patients. For some tumours in this area that are detected at an early stage, this method can be an alternative to the usual therapy.

Effect of radiotherapy

The Papillon 50 is a device that allows contact radiation therapy. This means that the radiation is applied directly to the tumour, without intervening tissue and without irradiating other structures. Papillon radiotherapy leads to a reduction or even cure of rectal cancer in its early stages, which may mean that surgery with all its possible consequences can be avoided. Of the few devices available worldwide, Swiss Medical Network is the only group in Switzerland that has this device and accordingly already has a number of successful treatments to its name. We are proud to be able to offer this form of therapy at Privatklinik Bethanien since February 2022 and since December 2023 in Clinique Générale-Beaulieu.

Combination with other methods

In advanced cancers, this therapy enables a faster reduction of the tumour, possibly even with complete elimination of the tumour. In these stages, Papillon treatment is combined with conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy to achieve an increased effect. In some patients, surgery may even be avoided.

Duration of therapy and side effects

The Papillon technique is performed on an outpatient basis. It takes an average of three to five sessions, one to three weeks apart, to cure a tumour. The treatment is well tolerated and side effects are mild and temporary. Patients retain normal bowel function and a satisfactory quality of life.

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Doctors with this specialisation

Privatklinik Bethanien

Dr. med. Cristina Picardi

Specialisation
Radio-oncology, Internal medicine, Papillon

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