Computational Model Based on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Skin Scanning to Identify and Quantify Acute Radiation Dermatitis (ARD): A Prospective Diagnostic Study.

BACKGROUND: acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is the most widely reported radiotherapy-induced adverse event. Currently, there is no objective or reliable method to measure ARD. OBJECTIVE: our main objective was to identify and quantify the effects of radiotherapy with a computational model using optical coherence tomography (OCT) skin scanning. Secondary objectives included determining the ARD impact of different radiotherapeutic schemes and adjuvant topical therapies. METHODS: we conducted a prospective, single-center case series study in a tertiary referral center of patients with breast cancer who were eligible for whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT). RESULTS: a total of 39 women were included and distributed according to the radiotherapeutic schemes (15, 20, and 25 fractions). A computational model was designed to quantitatively analyze OCT findings. After radiotherapy, OCT scanning was more sensitive revealing vascularization changes in 84.6% of the patients (vs 69.2% of the patients with ARD by clinical examination). OCT quantified an increased vascularization at the end of WBRT (P < .05) and a decrease after 3 months (P = .032). Erythematous skin changes by OCT were more pronounced in the 25-fraction regime. CONCLUSION: an OCT computational model allowed for the identification and quantification of vascularization changes on irradiated skin, even in the absence of clinical ARD. This may allow the design of standardized protocols for ARD beyond the skin color of the patients involved.

Comparison of liposomal gel with and without addition of chamomile for prevention of radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer patients frequently develop radiation dermatitis (RD) during radiotherapy. We compared liposomal gel with and without chamomile extract for the prevention and management of RD in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty participants undergoing radiotherapy for the first time for head and neck cancer were recruited in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Primary outcomes were the occurrence of dry desquamation and the cumulative dose of ionizing radiation at the first occurrence of dry desquamation. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of erythema, moist desquamation, global RD, and participant self-reported symptoms. RESULTS: Dry desquamation occurred in 76.9 % (95 % CI: 57.9, 89.0) of participants in the chamomile liposomal gel group and in 88.9 % (95 % CI: 71.9, 96.1) in the liposomal gel group (p = 0.43). The median cumulative dose of ionizing radiation when dry desquamation occurred was 48.0 Gy in the chamomile liposomal gel group and 40.0 Gy in the liposomal gel group. Fewer symptoms were reported in the chamomile liposomal gel group. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant differences in outcomes were found between the two groups, though the chamomile liposomal gel group presented with lower grades of RD than the liposomal gel group. In addition, when compared to the literature on other topical interventions to manage RD, our results show that chamomile liposomal gel has potential for better management and prevention of RD in this population, which should be further tested. This study provides crucial information to design future studies. Clinical Trials Registration (REBEC): RBR-92cts3.

Topical agents for the prevention ofradiodermatitis in cancer patients: A systematic review / Agentes tópicos para prevenção de radiodermatiteem pacientes com câncer: revisão sistemática

Objetivo: Analisar as evidências sobre o efeito dos agentes tópicos empregados para a prevenção da radiodermatite em pacientes com câncer. Método: Revisão sistemática de estudos clínicos randomizados duplos-cegos construída conforme recomendações do Joanna Briggs Institute e busca nas bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, além da literatura cinzenta. Utilizaram-se a ferramenta de avaliação crítica do JBI para ensaios clínicos randomizados para avaliar a possibilidade de viés, o Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation para a qualidade das evidências e o Gradepro® para recomendá-las. Resultados: Selecionaram-se 13 estudos que avaliaram diferentes agentes tópicos para prevenir a radiodermatite, a saber: corticosteroides, de ação antioxidante e fitoterápicos. A qualidade metodológica de cada estudo foi apropriada, mas a qualidade da evidência gerada pela reunião deles foi baixa, independentemente do tipo de agente tópico empregado, sugerindo que a confiança no seu efeito é limitada e tornando a força de recomendação fraca. Conclusão: Alguns agentes tópicos mostraram-se promissores para a prevenção de radiodermatite, mas as evidências aqui reunidas sobre a eficácia deles não permitem indicar seu uso para a prevenção de radiodermatite em pacientes com câncer. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the evidence on the effect of topical agents to prevent radiodermatitis in cancer patients. Methods: Systematic review of double-blind randomized clinical studies built according to JBI recommendations and search in the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus, in addition to the Gray Literature. The JBI critical assessment tool for randomized clinical trials was used to assess the possibility of bias, GRADE for the quality of evidence, and Gradepro® to recommend them. Results: Thirteen studies were selected that evaluated different topical agents to prevent radiodermatitis, namely: corticosteroids, with antioxidant action and herbal medicines. The methodological quality of each study was appropriate. Still, the quality of evidence generated by pooling them was low, regardless of the type of topical agent employed, suggesting that confidence in its effect is limited and weakening the strength of the recommendation. Conclusions: Some topical agents have shown promise for the prevention of radiodermatitis, but the evidence gathered here about their effectiveness does not indicate their use for the prevention of radiodermatitis in cancer patients. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia sobre el efecto de los agentes tópicos utilizados para la prevención de la radiodermatitis en pacientes con cáncer. Método: Revisión sistemática de estudios clínicos aleatorizados, doble ciego, elaborados según las recomendaciones del JBI y buscados en MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science, Embase y Scopus, además de literatura gris. Se utilizó la herramienta de evaluación crítica JBI para ensayos clínicos aleatorios para evaluar la posibilidad de sesgo, GRADE para la calidad de la evidencia y Gradepro® para recomendarla. Resultados: Se seleccionaron trece estudios que evaluaron diferentes agentes tópicos para prevenir la radiodermatitis, a saber: corticosteroides, con acción antioxidante y fitoterapia. La calidad metodológica de cada estudio fue apropiada, pero la calidad de la evidencia generada al combinarlos fue baja, independientemente del tipo de agente tópico empleado, lo que sugiere que la confianza en su efecto es limitada y debilita la fuerza de la recomendación. Conclusión: Algunos agentes tópicos se han mostrado prometedores para la prevención de la radiodermatitis, pero la evidencia aquí reunida sobre su eficacia no nos permite indicar su uso para la prevención de la radiodermatitis en pacientes con cáncer. (AU)

Dosimetric Correlation of Acute Radiation Dermatitis in Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Hypofractionated Proton Beam Therapy Using Pencil Beam Scanning.

PURPOSE: Pencil-beam scanning (PBS) is a modern delivery technique used in proton beam therapy (PBT) to reduce normal tissue reactions. No dosimetric correlation between dermatitis and PBS has been reported for breast cancer. The current study aimed to investigate the factors associated with grade 2 or higher dermatitis in patients with breast cancer undergoing PBT using PBS. METHODS: The medical data of 42 patients with breast cancer who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy between December 2019 and September 2023 were reviewed. All patients received hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT), either 26 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE])/five fractions or 40.05 or 43.5 Gy (RBE)/15 fractions, for the whole breast/chest wall with or without nodal irradiation. The duration of acute radiation dermatitis was defined as within 90 days from the start of radiotherapy. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used for univariate and multivariate analyses of the actuarial rates of grade 2-3 dermatitis. RESULTS: Twenty-two (52.4%) and 20 (47.6%) patients were diagnosed with grade 1 and 2 dermatitis, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed a clinical target volume (CTV) ≥ of 320 cc (p = 0.035) and a skin dose of D10cc ≥ 38.3 Gy (RBE) (p = 0.009) as independent factors of grade 2 dermatitis. The 10-week cumulative grade 2 dermatitis rates were 88.2%, 39.4%, and 8.3% (p < 0.001) for patients with both high, either high, and neither high CTV and D10cc, respectively. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on dosimetric correlations for dermatitis in patients with breast cancer who underwent hypofractionated PBT using PBS. In the era of HFRT, skin dose modulation using PBS may reduce the incidence of dermatitis.

Acute skin toxicity and self-management ability among Chinese breast cancer radiotherapy patients: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Radiation dermatitis is the most common reaction to radiotherapy, almost all breast cancer patients receive radiotherapy on an outpatient basis. Currently, there are no studies on the experience of radiation dermatitis and the ability to self-manage it. Therefore, we aimed to use qualitative approaches to gain a deeper understanding of the actual experiences and self-management ability in order to provide a reference for further improving the effectiveness of self-management and to optimize symptom management strategies. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using purposive sampling to select 17 breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from September to November 2023. The Colaizzi seven-step analysis method was used to classify the data into summarized themes. RESULTS: Four themes were identified from the interview responses: (1) multiple self-reported skin symptoms in breast cancer patients with radiation dermatitis; (2) the multidimensional impact on patient's quality of life, especially pruritus, ulceration; (3) the ability to self-manage radiation dermatitis: strong mental toughness, positive response, and self-doubt; (4) challenges faced: concerns about radiotherapy side effects and recurrence, targeted symptom management and continuity of care after the radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should consider patients' self-reported symptoms when assessing radiation dermatitis. For pruritus and pain, we can enhance precision symptom management to improve patients' quality of life. By utilizing information technology tools, we can increase breast cancer patients' ability and confidence in managing radiation dermatitis effectively while enhancing accurate symptom management during radiotherapy.

The Assessment of the Long-Term Impact of Radiotherapy on Biophysical Skin Properties in Patients after Head and Neck Cancer.

Background and Objectives: Chronic radiotherapy-induced skin injury (cRISI) is an irreversible and progressive condition that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Despite the limited literature available on the assessment of the epidermal barrier in cRISI, there is a consensus that appropriate skincare, including the use of emollients, is the primary therapeutic approach for this group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biophysical properties of the skin during the late period (at least 90 days) following radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center prospective non-randomized study. It involved the analysis of 16 adult patients with head and neck cancer who underwent RT at the Greater Poland Cancer Center, along with 15 healthy volunteers. The study and control groups were matched for gender and age (p = 0.51). Clinical assessment, based on the LENT-SOMA scale, was conducted for all patients. Evaluation of the skin's biophysical properties included: an analysis of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), and skin visualization using high-frequency ultrasonography (HF-USG). Results: A significantly higher TEWL was observed in the irradiated area compared to the control area in the study group (p = 0.004). However, there was no statistically significant difference in SCH (p = 0.073). Additionally, no significant difference was observed in the values of TEWL and SCH in the irradiated area between the group of patients with and without clinically obvious RISI (p = 0.192 and p = 0.415, respectively). The skin thickness of the irradiated area, assessed by HF-USG, did not differ significantly from the skin thickness of the control area (p = 0.638). Furthermore, no difference in skin thickness was observed in patients with clinical features of cRISI in the irradiated and control areas (p = 0.345). The mean time after RT was 6.1 years. Conclusions: This study marks the first demonstration of epidermal barrier damage in patients in the long term following RT for head and neck cancer. The impairment of the epidermal barrier was observed independently of evident cRISI features. This observation underscores the necessity to recommend appropriate skin care, including the use of emollients, for all patients following RT. We also suggest that HF-USG examination is generally inconclusive in determining the degree of skin damage in the late period after RT.

Risk Prediction Model for Radiation-induced Dermatitis in Patients with Cervical Carcinoma Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE: Radiation-induced dermatitis (RD) is a common side-effect of therapeutic ionizing radiation that can severely affect patient quality of life. This study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for the occurrence of RD in patients with cervical carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy using electronic medical records (EMRs). METHODS: Using EMRs, the clinical data of patients who underwent simultaneous radiotherapy and chemotherapy at a tertiary cancer hospital between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively collected, and the patients were divided into two groups: a training group and a validation group. A predictive model was constructed to predict the development of RD in patients who underwent concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cervical cancer. Finally, the model's efficacy was validated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: The incidence of radiation dermatitis was 89.5% (560/626) in the entire cohort, 88.6% (388/438) in the training group, and 91.5% (172/188) in the experimental group. The nomogram was established based on the following factors: age, the days between the beginning and conclusion of radiotherapy, the serum albumin after chemoradiotherapy, the use of single or multiple drugs for concurrent chemotherapy, and the total dose of afterloading radiotherapy. Internal and external verification indicated that the model had good discriminatory ability. Overall, the model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of .66. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of RD in patients with cervical carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy is high. A risk prediction model can be developed for RD in cervical carcinoma patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy, based on over 5 years of EMR data from a tertiary cancer hospital.

Potential Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms markers for radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To identify potential Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of susceptibility for the development of acute radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients, and also to verify the association between SNPs and the severity of RD. METHODS: This systematic review was reported according to the PRISMA guideline. The proportion meta-analysis was performed to identify the prevalence of genetic markers by geographical region and radiation dermatitis severity. The meta-analysis was performed to verify the association between genetic markers and RD severity. The certainty of the evidence was assessed by GRADE. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included. The most prevalent SNPs were XRCC3 (rs861639) (36%), TGFß1 (rs1800469) (35%), and RAD51 (rs1801321) (34%). There are prevalence studies in Europe and Asia, with a similar prevalence for all SNPs (29-40%). The prevalence was higher in patients who developed radiation dermatitis ≤2 for any subtype of genes (75-76%). No SNP showed a statistically significant association with very low certainty of evidence. CONCLUSION: The most prevalent SNPs may be predictors of acute RD. The analysis of SNP before starting radiation therapy may be a promising method to predict the risk of developing radiation dermatitis and allow radiosensitive patients to have a customized treatment. This current review provides new research directions.

Effectiveness of glutamine for the treatment of radiodermatitis in cancer patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: After receiving radiation therapy, 60%-95% of patients with cancer develop radiodermatitis, which causes pain, wound infection, and poor quality of life. Glutamine is a popular nutritional supplement for patients with cancer. Several studies examined the usefulness of glutamine for reducing radiodermatitis. However, there is still no consolidated evidence for clinical use. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL PLUS, and the China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database for the relevant literature published up to March 2023, without language restrictions. Two reviewers screened, filtered, and appraised these articles independently, and their data were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 218 participants were analyzed. The incidence of radiodermatitis in the glutamine group (89/110) was significantly lower than in the placebo group (99/108; risk ratio [RR], 0.90; 95% CI, 0.81-1.00; p = 0.05; I2 = 7%). The incidence of moderate to severe radiodermatitis was significantly lower in the glutamine group than in the placebo group (RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32-0.76; p = 0.001; I2 = 52%). Moreover, subgroup analysis demonstrated heterogeneity (I2 = 52%) for moderate to severe radiodermatitis, the risk of which might be significantly reduced by a glutamine dose of 20-30 g/day (RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.41-0.87; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis indicate that glutamine might lead to a lower incidence of radiodermatitis, and that a glutamine dose of 20-30 g/day might decrease the incidence of moderate to severe dermatitis. Thus, the serious impact of radiodermatitis on treatment follow-up makes the clinical use of glutamine even more important. PROSPERO number: CRD42021254394.

Deciphering the fibrotic process: mechanism of chronic radiation skin injury fibrosis.

This review explores the mechanisms of chronic radiation-induced skin injury fibrosis, focusing on the transition from acute radiation damage to a chronic fibrotic state. It reviewed the cellular and molecular responses of the skin to radiation, highlighting the role of myofibroblasts and the significant impact of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-ß) in promoting fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation. The review delves into the epigenetic regulation of fibrotic gene expression, the contribution of extracellular matrix proteins to the fibrotic microenvironment, and the regulation of the immune system in the context of fibrosis. Additionally, it discusses the potential of biomaterials and artificial intelligence in medical research to advance the understanding and treatment of radiation-induced skin fibrosis, suggesting future directions involving bioinformatics and personalized therapeutic strategies to enhance patient quality of life.

Computational Model Based on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Skin Scanning to Identify and Quantify Acute Radiation Dermatitis (ARD): A Prospective Diagnostic Study.

BACKGROUND: Acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is the most widely reported radiotherapy-induced adverse event. Currently, there is no objective or reliable method to measure ARD. OBJECTIVE: Our main objective was to identify and quantify the effects of radiotherapy with a computational model using optical coherence tomography (OCT) skin scanning. Secondary objectives included determining the ARD impact of different radiotherapeutic schemes and adjuvant topical therapies. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-center case series study in a tertiary referral center of patients with breast cancer who were eligible for whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT). RESULTS: A total of 39 women were included and distributed according to the radiotherapeutic schemes (15, 20, and 25 fractions). A computational model was designed to quantitatively analyze OCT findings. After radiotherapy, OCT scanning was more sensitive revealing vascularization changes in 84.6% of the patients (vs 69.2% of the patients with ARD by clinical examination). OCT quantified an increased vascularization at the end of WBRT (P<.05) and a decrease after 3 months (P=.032). Erythematous skin changes by OCT were more pronounced in the 25-fraction regime. CONCLUSION: An OCT computational model allowed for the identification and quantification of vascularization changes on irradiated skin, even in the absence of clinical ARD. This may allow the design of standardized protocols for ARD beyond the skin color of the patients involved.

Radiation therapy dose escalation achieves high rates of local control with tolerable toxicity profile in pediatric and young adult patients with Ewing sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Local control for patients with Ewing sarcoma (EWS) who present with large tumors are suboptimal when treated with standard radiation therapy (RT) doses of 54-55.8 Gy. The purpose of this study is to determine local control and toxicity of dose-escalated RT for tumors ≥8 cm (greatest diameter at diagnosis) in pediatric and young adult patients with EWS. METHODS: Eligible patients ≤30 years old with newly diagnosed EWS ≥8 cm treated with definitive conformal or intensity modulated photon, or proton radiation therapy techniques were included. All patients in the study received dose-escalated RT doses. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), local failure rates, and toxicity. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included, 20 patients presented with metastatic disease and 12 patients with localized disease. The median RT dose was 64.8 Gy (range, 59.4-69.4 Gy) with variability of doses to protect normal surrounding tissues. All patients received systemic chemotherapy. The 5-year OS and EFS for the cohort was 64.2% and 42%, respectively. The 5-year cumulative incidence of local failure was 6.6%. There were two combined local and distant failures with no isolated local failures. Twenty-nine patients experienced short term toxicity, 90% of those being radiation dermatitis. Twenty-seven patients experienced long-term toxicity, with only one experiencing grade 4 toxicity, a secondary malignancy after therapy. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that definitive RT for pediatric and young adult patients with EWS ≥8 cm provides high rates of local control, while maintaining a tolerable toxicity profile.

Incidence of radiodermatitis and factors associated with its severity in women with breast cancer: a cohort study

Abstract Background: One of the main adverse reactions of adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer is radiodermatitis. Objective: To assess the incidence of radiodermatitis in women with breast cancer, identify factors associated with its severity and determine the time at which this event occurs. Methods: Prospective cohort study in 113 women with breast cancer who were evaluated before radiotherapy and at every fifth session until the end of treatment. Logistic regression and Cox proportional regression model were used for the assessment of risk factors; P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The incidence rate of radiodermatitis was 98.2% and it was demonstrated that for each additional point of the Body Mass Index (BMI), the chance of occurrence of grades II to IV radiodermatitis increases by 14% (OR = 1.14 [95% CI 1.04-1.26]; p = 0.004) and statin use increases the risk of more severe skin lesions by four-fold (OR = 4.27 [95% CI 1.11-16.42]; p = 0.035). The exclusive use of hydrogel for skin hydration was an independent factor in delaying the onset of radiodermatitis (HR = 0.55 [95% CI 0.36-0.82]; p = 0.004). Study limitations: The main limitation of this study was its external validity. The identified factors should be considered for services and populations similar to those in this study. Conclusions: There was a high incidence of radiodermatitis and its severity was related to higher BMI, statin use; there was a protective effect of hydrogel use.

Incidence of radiodermatitis and factors associated with its severity in women with breast cancer: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: One of the main adverse reactions of adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer is radiodermatitis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of radiodermatitis in women with breast cancer, identify factors associated with its severity and determine the time at which this event occurs. METHODS: Prospective cohort study in 113 women with breast cancer who were evaluated before radiotherapy and at every fifth session until the end of treatment. Logistic regression and Cox proportional regression model were used for the assessment of risk factors; P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The incidence rate of radiodermatitis was 98.2% and it was demonstrated that for each additional point of the Body Mass Index (BMI), the chance of occurrence of grades II to IV radiodermatitis increases by 14% (OR=1.14 [95% CI 1.04-1.26]; p=0.004) and statin use increases the risk of more severe skin lesions by four-fold (OR=4.27 [95% CI 1.11-16.42]; p=0.035). The exclusive use of hydrogel for skin hydration was an independent factor in delaying the onset of radiodermatitis (HR=0.55 [95% CI 0.36-0.82]; p=0.004). STUDY LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of this study was its external validity. The identified factors should be considered for services and populations similar to those in this study. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high incidence of radiodermatitis and its severity was related to higher BMI, statin use; there was a protective effect of hydrogel use.

Evaluation of the effect of herbal agents as management of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of herbal agents in the prevention and therapy of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials were searched from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to assess the effectiveness of herbal agents compared to a standard medication or placebo in prevention or treatment of radiodermatitis in breast cancer. RESULTS: Data from 16 studies involving 1994 patients were included. This meta-analysis included 10 clinical trials of 562 breast cancer patients treated with calendula, silymarin, or aloe vera for the prevention of radiodermatitis. Silymarin showed positive effects in ameliorating the damage of radiodermatitis, whereas the efficacy of calendula and aloe vera in the treatment of radiodermatitis lacks sufficient evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Herbal medicine may show therapeutic effects on radiodermatitis in breast cancer, but more comprehensive investigations and clinical trials are required in the future.

Factors associated with the quality of life of women undergoing radiotherapy / Factores asociados a la calidad de vida de mujeres en radioterapia / Fatores associados à qualidade de vida de mulheres submetidas à radioterapia

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the skin characteristics and quality of life of patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Method: Cross-sectional study conducted with 60 women. The classification scales of skin changes resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation (RTOG) and the validated versions in Portuguese of those that classified skin types (Fitzpatrick), symptoms (RISRAS) and quality of life (DLQI) were applied. in the period between December 2021 and October 2022. For data analysis, Fisher's Exact Test, Chi-Square and Asymptotic General Independence Test were used. Results: 100% of patients had skin irritation. As the treatment progressed and the radiodermatitis appeared or worsened, there was a tendency for the intensity of signs and symptoms to increase, such as: sensitivity, discomfort or pain, itching, burning and heat, dry and wet desquamation, which may have impacted the quality of life and reflected in other aspects, such as: shopping activities or outings (p=0.0020), social activities or leisure activities (p=0.0420). Conclusion: Radiodermatitis is a common condition that affects women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy, skin characteristics and quality of life of patients affected during this treatment.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar las características de la piel y la calidad de vida de pacientes con cáncer de mama en tratamiento con radioterapia. Método: Estudio transversal con 60 mujeres. Se aplicaron la escala de clasificación de alteraciones cutáneas por exposición a radiaciones ionizantes (RTOG) y las versiones validadas en portugués de las que clasificaban tipos de piel (Fitzpatrick), síntomas (RISRAS) y calidad de vida (DLQI) en el período comprendido entre diciembre 2021 y octubre de 2022. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizaron el Test Exacto de Fisher, Chi-Cuadrado y el Test de Independencia General Asintótica. Resultados: El 100% de los pacientes evaluados sobre la piel. A medida que avanzaba el tratamiento y aparecía o empeoraba la radiodermatitis, hubo tendencia a aumentar la intensidad de los signos y síntomas, tales como: sensibilidad, malestar o dolor, visualización, ardor y calor, descamación seca y húmeda, que pudieron haber tenido una impacto en la calidad de vida y reflejado en otros aspectos, como: actividades de compra o salidas (p=0,0020), actividades sociales o de ocio (p=0,0420). Conclusión: La radiodermatitis es una afección común que afecta a mujeres con cáncer de mama, sometidas a radioterapia, las características de la piel y la calidad de vida de las pacientes afectadas durante este tratamiento.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as características da pele e a qualidade de vida de pacientes com câncer de mama submetidas à radioterapia. Método: Estudo transversal com 60 mulheres. Foram aplicadas as escalas de classificação das alterações cutâneas decorrentes da exposição à radiação ionizante (RTOG) e as versões validadas em português das que classificaram os tipos de pele (Fitzpatrick), os sintomas (RISRAS) e a qualidade de vida (DLQI), no período entre dezembro de 2021 e outubro de 2022. Para a análise de dados, foram utilizados os Testes Exato de Fisher, Qui-Quadrado e Teste de Independência Geral Assintótica. Resultados: 100% das pacientes apresentaram irritação na pele. À medida que o tratamento avançou e que a radiodermatite surgiu ou se agravou, houve maior tendência de intensidade de sinais e sintomas, como: sensibilidade, desconforto ou dor, coceira, queimação e calor, descamação seca e úmida, o que pode ter impactado na qualidade de vida e refletido em outros aspectos, como: atividades de compras ou passeios (p=0,0020), programação social ou atividade de lazer (p=0,0420). Conclusão: A radiodermatite é uma condição comum que afeta as mulheres com câncer de mama submetidas à radioterapia, as características da pele e a qualidade de vida das pacientes são afetadas durante esse tratamento.

Head and neck cancer patients under radiotherapy undergoing skin application of hydrogel dressing or hyaluronic acid: results from a prospective, randomized study.

PURPOSE: Acute radiodermatitis (ARD) is a frequent side effect of radiotherapy, a therapeutic option for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It is responsible for pain, quality of life (QoL) impairment, and increased risk of treatment discontinuation, which may compromise the prognosis for patients. Local therapies to prevent or alleviate ARD have been proposed without providing any high level of evidence to establish recommendations. METHODS: We implemented a prospective multicenter randomized study on patients with HNSCC treated with definitive radiotherapy to assess the impact on ear, nose, and throat (ENT) pain of the application of a hydrogel-based skin dressing (HydroTac®) compared with the application of hyaluronic acid (Ialuset®) during radiotherapy. RESULTS: Out of 130 enrolled patients, 48 patients per group were assessable for the main endpoint. No difference between groups was found: a worsening of ENT pain of 3 points or more on a visual analog scale from the initiation to 1 month after the end of the radiotherapy was observed for 8 patients (16.7%) who received HydroTac® compared to 13 patients (27%) who received Ialuset® (p = 0.342). The proportion of patients who experienced ARD and grades of ARD (CTCAE v4.0 criteria) were similar between groups. Patient compliance with radiodermatitis treatment was poor, with 56.1% of patients in the HydroTac® group having their treatment temporarily stopped. CONCLUSION: The application of a hydrogel dressing to prevent ARD during radiotherapy for HNSCC patients has failed to demonstrate a benefit. These results may be limited by the difficulties of applying the dressing.

Aloe vera como estratégia de cuidado de enfermagem para tratamento de pessoas com radiodermatites / Aloe vera as a nursing care strategy for treating people with radiodermatitis

Descrever como acontece a utilização de Aloe vera como estratégia de cuidado de enfermagem para o tratamento de pessoas com radiodermatites. Metodologia: caráter retrospectivo e descritivo com a técnica da entrevista semiestruturada com as enfermeiras prescritoras de Aloe. Resultados: estruturação de conhecimentos sobre o Aloe vera como conduta de enfermagem nas radiodermatites que no Hospital Solidariedade resulta na efetiva prevenção de radiodermatites, principalmente de suas formas mais graves. Salienta-se que a babosa consegue prevenir a radiodermatite através do aumento da oxigenação da lesão e da diminuição da quantidade local de tecidos mortos. O estudo, também, proporciona uma maior compreensão sobre a função do enfermeiro na radioterapia e na reabilitação da pele. Conclusão: o Aloe vera tem um papel determinante na prevenção das radiodermatites, sendo um agente terapêutico inovador na área da enfermagem dermatológica e oncológica.(AU)

To describe how Aloe vera is used as a nursing care strategy to treat people with radiodermatitis. Methodology: retrospective and descriptive, using semi-structured interviews with nurses who prescribe Aloe vera. Results: structuring of knowledge about Aloe vera as a nursing approach to radiodermatitis at Solidarity Hospital resulted in the effective prevention of radiodermatitis, especially its more severe forms. It should be noted that aloe vera can prevent radiodermatitis by increasing oxygenation of the lesion and reducing the local amount of dead tissue. The study also provides a greater understanding of the role of nurses in radiotherapy and skin rehabilitation. Conclusion: Aloe vera plays a decisive role in the prevention of radiodermatitis and is an innovative therapeutic agent in the field of dermatology and oncology nursing.(AU)

Describir cómo se utiliza el Aloe vera como estrategia de cuidados de enfermería para tratar a personas con radiodermitis. Metodología: retrospectiva y descriptiva, mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas a enfermeros que prescriben Aloe vera. Resultados: la estructuración del conocimiento sobre el Aloe vera como abordaje de enfermería para la radiodermitis en el Hospital de la Solidaridad resultó en la prevención eficaz de la radiodermitis, especialmente de sus formas más graves. Cabe destacar que el aloe vera puede prevenir la radiodermatitis al aumentar la oxigenación de la lesión y reducir la cantidad local de tejido muerto. El estudio también permite comprender mejor el papel del personal de enfermería en la radioterapia y la rehabilitación cutánea. Conclusión: El aloe vera desempeña un papel decisivo en la prevención de la radiodermatitis y es un agente terapéutico innovador en el campo de la enfermería dermatológica y oncológica.(AU)

A novel, multi-active emollient for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of a novel, multi-active emollient in preventing and managing acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) in breast cancer patients undergoing moderate hypofractionated (HF) radiotherapy (RT) compared to standard of care. METHODSA: A monocentric, open-label, randomized clinical trial (RCT) with breast cancer patients receiving moderate HF (dose: 40.05-55.86 Gy, fractions: 15-21) was conducted between January 2022 and May 2023. The experimental group received the novel emollient, while the control group received the standard skin care. Patients applied the skin care products twice daily during the complete RT course. The primary outcome was the severity of ARD at the final RT session measured by the modified Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria. Secondary outcomes included patient symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients with 50 patients per group were enrolled. In the control group, 50% of the patients developed RTOG grade 1 ARD and 48% grade 2 or higher, while in the experimental group, the severity of ARD was significantly lower with 82% grade 1 and 16% grade 2 ARD (P = .013, χ2-test). The frequency and severity of xerosis were significantly lower in the experimental compared to the control group (Ps ≤ .036, Mann Whiney U test). The impact of ARD on the QoL was low, and treatment satisfaction was high in both groups, with no significant difference. CONCLUSION: This RCT shows that the novel, multi-active emollient significantly reduced the ARD RTOG grade. Research in a more diverse patient population is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04929808 (11/06/2021).

Erythema multiforme provoked by radiotherapy.

Radiation dermatitis is one of the most common adverse effects that occur in patients treated with radiation therapy. It is usually limited to the irradiated area. However, cases of generalized lesions have also been described in the literature. A rare but highly important cutaneous manifestation can be erythema multiforme-like lesions localized all over the patient's skin. A 63-year-old patient was admitted to the Department of Dermatology for disseminated erythematous lesions localized on the trunk and extremities. The patient denied taking any new medications or dietary supplements. However, he was undergoing radiotherapy treatment. On admission, the patient was in good general condition. During the stay in the department, the patient was treated orally as well as intravenously with corticosteroids, acyclovir, and a topical ointment consisting of gentamicin and betamethasone, as well as hydrocortisone and cooling ointment. After 1 month, a significant improvement in the patient's skin condition was noted. When skin lesions resembling erythema multiforme occur in patients undergoing oncological treatment, radiation therapy should be considered as a potential trigger.