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In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2023Radiation dermatitis is a common complication of radiation therapy in breast cancer patients. Severe dermatitis may alter treatment schedules and clinical outcomes. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND/AIM
Radiation dermatitis is a common complication of radiation therapy in breast cancer patients. Severe dermatitis may alter treatment schedules and clinical outcomes. The topical prevention strategy is the widely used option to prevent radiation dermatitis. However, the comparison between the current topical prevention strategies is insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the topical prevention efficacy of radiation dermatitis in patients with breast cancer through a network meta-analysis.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This study followed The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Network Meta-Analyses guidelines. A random effects model was used to compare different treatments. The treatment modality ranking was evaluated using the P-score. I2 and Cochran's Q test were used to evaluate the heterogeneity among studies.
RESULTS
Forty-five studies were analyzed in this systematic review. A total of 19 studies were finally included in this meta-analysis for grade 3 or higher radiation dermatitis, which included 18 treatment arms and 2,288 patients. The forest plot showed that none of the identified regimens were superior to standard care.
CONCLUSION
A more effective regimen than standard care for the prevention of grade 3 or higher radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients was not identified. Our network meta-analysis showed that current topical prevention strategies are similarly efficacious. However, since preventing severe radiation dermatitis is an important clinical challenge, further trials should be conducted to address this issue.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Network Meta-Analysis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Radiodermatitis
PubMed: 37103113
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13216 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Apr 2023Over several decades, research on the prevention and management of acute radiation dermatitis (RD) has continued to emerge, yet there remains no "gold standard"... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Over several decades, research on the prevention and management of acute radiation dermatitis (RD) has continued to emerge, yet there remains no "gold standard" treatment for RD care. Recent guidelines on RD prevention and management were published in 2022 by the Oncodermatology Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC). As part of this guideline process, a collaborative effort was undertaken by international RD experts to quantitatively compare commonly studied RD skin interventions through meta-analyses and discern superiority of interventional treatments over another intervention, standard-of-care, or placebo in RD prevention and management. This paper summarizes the materials and methodology used in a set of meta-analysis studies that supplement the 2022 MASCC Clinical Practice Guidelines on RD Prevention and Management.
Topics: Humans; Stomatitis; Mucositis; Neoplasms; Radiodermatitis
PubMed: 37052753
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07707-5 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Mar 2023To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral supplementation as a radioprotective intervention in the management of radiation dermatitis (RD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral supplementation as a radioprotective intervention in the management of radiation dermatitis (RD).
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis. Six databases and the gray literature were searched for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). Meta-analysis was performed only with studies that evaluated the same intervention. Methodology of included studies was evaluated by the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0), and the certainty of evidence was assessed by the GRADE instrument.
RESULTS
Seventeen RCTs were included in this review. These evaluated different types of oral supplementations. Findings from three meta-analyses demonstrated no significant benefits to the more severe grades of RD, as oral curcuminoids (RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.27 to 1.29; P = 0.19; I = 88%), glutamine (RR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.15 to 1.03; P = 0.06; I = 78%) or Wobe-Mugos (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.29 to 1.14; P = 0.11; I = 72%). Also, the certainty of the evidence of outcomes evaluated was moderate or low. Except for a few gastrointestinal adverse events, oral supplementation was well tolerated.
CONCLUSION
Most oral supplements cannot yet be recommended to manage RD due to insufficient or conflicting evidence. However, despite no significant results, glutamine was shown to be a promising substance in terms of the potential radioprotective effect and may be well tolerated. These results suggest that more RCTs with larger samples are needed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerance of glutamine in the management of RD.
Topics: Humans; Glutamine; Neoplasms; Radiodermatitis; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 36976404
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07685-8 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Mar 2023Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a common side effect of radiotherapy in most breast cancer patients. Curcumin has recently attracted more attention for managing the side... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a common side effect of radiotherapy in most breast cancer patients. Curcumin has recently attracted more attention for managing the side effects of breast cancer treatments. This review study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin on the severity of radiation dermatitis in patients with breast cancer. Methods: All eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected by searching PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Study heterogeneity was assessed through Q statistics and I-squared.
RESULTS
Four RCTs with 882 patients were included in the final analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that curcumin supplementation significantly reduced radiation dermatitis severity (RDS) score in the intervention group compared to the control group (WMD=-0.50; 95% CI -0.72 to -0.27, P <0.001). A significant heterogeneity was observed between the studies (I2 = 95.7%, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Based on the results of the present study, curcumin has significant effects in reducing the severity of radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Further well-designed longitudinal studies are recommended to confirm these results and to discover the underlying mechanisms of the effects of curcumin on the severity of radiation dermatitis in patients with cancer.
Topics: Humans; Female; Curcumin; Dietary Supplements; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Radiodermatitis; Breast Neoplasms
PubMed: 36974529
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.3.783 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Mar 2023Approximately 95% of patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) experience radiation dermatitis (RD). Evidence has suggested that photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Approximately 95% of patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) experience radiation dermatitis (RD). Evidence has suggested that photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can stimulate skin renewal and minimize RD. The aim of the present paper was to investigate the efficacy of PBMT in RD prevention through a comprehensive literature review.
METHODS
A literature search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted from 1980 to March 2021 to identify RCT on the use of PBMT for RD prevention. Forest plots were developed using RevMan software to quantitatively compare data between studies.
RESULTS
Five papers were identified: four in breast and one in head and neck cancer patients. Patients receiving PBMT experienced less severe RD than the control groups after 40 Gray (Gy) of RT (grade 3 toxicity: Odds Ratio (OR): 0.57, 95% CI 0.14-2.22, p = 0.42) and at the end of RT (grade 0 + 1 vs. 2 + 3 toxicity: OR: 0.28, 95% CI 0.15-0.53, p < 0.0001). RT interruptions due to RD severity were more frequent in the control group (OR: 0.81, 95% CI 0.10-6.58, p = 0.85).
CONCLUSION
Preventive PBMT may be protective against the development of severe grades of RD and reduce the frequency of RT interruptions. Larger sample sizes and other cancer sites at-risk of RD should be evaluated in future studies to confirm the true efficacy of PBMT, also in preventing the onset of RD and to finalize a standardized protocol to optimize the technique. At present, starting PBMT when RT starts is recommendable, as well as performing 2 to 3 laser sessions weekly.
Topics: Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy; Radiodermatitis; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Skin; Breast
PubMed: 36952036
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07673-y -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Mar 2023Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a common side effect of radiation therapy, affecting a majority of breast and head and neck cancer patients with a negative impact on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a common side effect of radiation therapy, affecting a majority of breast and head and neck cancer patients with a negative impact on quality of life. Currently, no consensus exists regarding the prevention of RD.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases (1946 to December 2022) were searched using PRISMA guidelines to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the use of topical non-steroidal agents in the prevention of RD in patients undergoing radiotherapy.
RESULTS
A total of six RCTs were included, comprising 627 patients. Among the topical non-steroidal agents analyzed, only the use of Biafine® in breast cancer patients was significant in preventing grade 4 and 3 + RD as classified by the Radiation Therapy Oncology group (RTOG) scale (OR = 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.63, p = 0.02, and OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03-0.41, p < 0.01, respectively). The remaining agents (trolamine alone and hyaluronic acid/hyaluronan) did not significantly prevent the occurrence of RD.
CONCLUSION
The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that Biafine® can prevent grade 3 + RD in breast cancer patients. The use of trolamine and hyaluronic acid does not significantly affect the incidence of RD.
Topics: Humans; Female; Hyaluronic Acid; Radiodermatitis; Breast Neoplasms; Ethanolamines
PubMed: 36928164
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07677-8 -
Strahlentherapie Und Onkologie : Organ... Jul 2023We present a case of mild radiation recall dermatitis triggered by cisplatin chemotherapy given simultaneously to re-irradiation. The dermatitis area correlated to skin...
We present a case of mild radiation recall dermatitis triggered by cisplatin chemotherapy given simultaneously to re-irradiation. The dermatitis area correlated to skin exposure of the previous radiation therapy, characterizing the reaction clearly as a recall. Cisplatin has not yet been recognized as a potential trigger for recall reactions. Although it was part of several reported multidrug trigger combinations, all review works referred to cisplatin as not suspicious, suggesting the combination partner as the effector. We performed a focused systematic literature review aiming to re-evaluate the real role of cisplatin as a (co-)triggering factor. In total, 30 reported cases were found, 90% triggered by multidrug combinations. The latter tended to cause more severe symptoms. Besides findings supporting the 20 Gy-threshold theory, no correlation between radiation dose and severity or prevalence was found. Recognition of cisplatin as a trigger of the recall phenomenon and its supportive management may prevent unnecessary cessation of systemic chemotherapy. Systematic reporting of recall events as a secondary endpoint of prospective clinical trials applying radiation therapy could support understanding the recall phenomenon.
Topics: Humans; Cisplatin; Prospective Studies; Radiodermatitis
PubMed: 36920507
DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02059-9 -
Physiological Reports Mar 2023Radiodermatitis (RD) occurs in 95% of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. At present, there is no effective treatment for the management of this complication... (Review)
Review
Radiodermatitis (RD) occurs in 95% of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. At present, there is no effective treatment for the management of this complication of radiotherapy. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a polyphenolic and biologically active natural compound with various pharmacological functions. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of curcumin supplementation for reducing RD severity. This review complied with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Cochrane library, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE databases. A total of seven studies comprising 473 cases and 552 controls were included in this review. Four studies demonstrated that curcumin supplementation had a beneficial effect on RD intensity. These data provide evidence for the potential clinical use of curcumin in supportive cancer care. Further large prospective and well-designed trials are warranted to exactly determine the "real effective extract, supplemental form and dose of curcumin" for RD prevention and treatment of patients receiving radiotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Radiodermatitis; Curcuma; Curcumin; Prospective Studies; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 36872842
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15624 -
Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences 2022Radiodermatitis (RD) is the most common side-effect of radiation therapy, yet its prevention and treatment through photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) have demonstrated... (Review)
Review
Radiodermatitis (RD) is the most common side-effect of radiation therapy, yet its prevention and treatment through photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) have demonstrated promising results. This study aimed to synthesize the evidence concerning the use of PBMT in managing RD among breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. This is a systematic review with no time restrictions, based on the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), including such databases as PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL. The studies were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: female participants over 18 years of age and females having breast cancer and undergoing radiation therapy using a three-dimensional technique or an intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique. Two reviewers assessed the methodological quality using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist, and the report was described based on PRISMA guidelines. Red and infrared wavelengths were used. Device power ranged from 1.1 W to 0.08 W for continuous modes and 25 W for pulsed mode, resulting in a 3 and 4 J/cm fluence, applied throughout radiation therapy, leading to a reduced severity in cutaneous reactions. PBMT can reduce the severity of RD. New clinical trials are required to standardize protocols, given the scarcity of studies for the adopted site and methodological diversity.
PubMed: 36743146
DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2022.42 -
Clinical Breast Cancer Jan 2023The purpose of this study is to systematically review data pertaining to breast cancer and radiation-induced skin reactions in patients with skin of color (SOC), as well...
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to systematically review data pertaining to breast cancer and radiation-induced skin reactions in patients with skin of color (SOC), as well as data pertaining to objective measurements of skin pigmentation in the assessment of radiation dermatitis (RD).
METHODS AND MATERIALS
We conducted a systematic review utilizing MEDLINE electronic databases to identify published studies until August 2022. Key inclusion criteria included studies that described RD in breast cancer with data pertaining to skin of color and/or characterization of pigmentation changes after radiation.
RESULTS
We identified 17 prospective cohort studies, 7 cross-sectional studies, 5 retrospective studies and 4 randomized controlled trials. Prospective cohort and retrospective series demonstrate worse RD in African American (AA) patients using subjective physician-graded scales. There is more limited data in patients representing other non-White racial subgroups with SOC. 2 studies utilize patient reported outcomes and 15 studies utilize objective methods to characterize pigmentation change after radiation. There are no prospective and randomized studies that objectively describe pigmentation changes with radiotherapy in SOC.
CONCLUSIONS
AA patients appear to have worse RD outcomes, though this is not uniformly observed across all studies. There are no studies that describe objective measures of RD and include baseline skin pigmentation as a variable, limiting the ability to draw uniform conclusions on the rate and impact of RD in SOC. We highlight the importance of objectively characterizing SOC and pigmentation changes before, during and after radiotherapy to understand the incidence and severity of RD in SOC.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Radiodermatitis; Retrospective Studies; Skin Pigmentation; Thoracic Wall; Black or African American
PubMed: 36335037
DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2022.10.002