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Clinical Case Reports Oct 2023Radiation 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....
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.
PubMed: 37854261
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7913 -
Biomedical Optics Express Sep 2023Whilst radiotherapy (RT) is widely used for cancer treatment, radiodermatitis caused by RT is one most common severe side effect affecting 95% cancer patients. Accurate...
Whilst radiotherapy (RT) is widely used for cancer treatment, radiodermatitis caused by RT is one most common severe side effect affecting 95% cancer patients. Accurate radiodermatitis assessment and classification is essential to adopt timely treatment, management and monitoring, which all depend on reliable and objective tools for radiodermatitis grading. We therefore, in this work, reported the development and grading performance validation of a low-cost (∼2318.2 CNY) algorithms-based hyperspectral imaging (aHSI) system for radiodermatitis assessment. The low-cost aHSI system was enabled through Monte Carlo (MC) simulations conducted on multi-spectra acquired from a custom built low-cost multispectral imaging (MSI) system, deriving algorithms-based hyper-spectra with spectral resolution of 1 nm. The MSI system was based on sequentially illuminated narrow-band light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a CMOS camera. Erythema induced artificially on healthy volunteers was measured by the aHSI system developed, with algorithms-based hyper-spectra and skin layer resolved physiological parameters (i.e., the blood volume fraction (BVF) and the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in blood, et. al.) derivation using MC simulations. The MC simulations derived BVF and the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in blood showed significant (P < 0.001, analysis of variance: ANOVA) increase with erythema. Further 1D-convolution neural network (CNN) implemented on the algorithms-based hyper-spectra leads to an overall classification accuracy of 93.1%, suggesting the great potential of low-cost aHSI system developed for radiodermatitis assessment.
PubMed: 37791251
DOI: 10.1364/BOE.500067 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Sep 2023Self-care demonstrated efficacy in preventing severe acute radiation dermatitis among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy...
Self-care demonstrated efficacy in preventing severe acute radiation dermatitis among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT). This prospective trial aimed to confirm the feasibility and safety of transcutaneous electrical sensory stimulation while examining the relationship between changes in self-care behavior through supportive care interventions and the severity of acute radiation dermatitis during CRT. Patients underwent assessments for dermatitis grading (Grades 1 to ≥3) and were interviewed regarding self-care practices. The self-care questionnaires comprised six items, and a point was deducted for each task that the patient could not perform independently. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between G3 radiation dermatitis and the lowest self-care behavior scores. Of the 10 patients enrolled, three experienced G3 dermatitis. During CRT, six patients maintained their initial scores and did not develop ≥G3 dermatitis. Meanwhile, three of four patients with decreased scores exhibited ≥G3 dermatitis. The group with ≥G3 dermatitis had significantly lower scores than those with ≤G2 dermatitis, suggesting that the inability of patients to perform self-care routinely may lead to severe acute radiation dermatitis. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the potential of self-care interventions in preventing severe dermatitis.
PubMed: 37763155
DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091387 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023Head and neck cancer (HNC) was the seventh most common cancer in the world in 2018. Treatment of a patient may include surgery, radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy, targeted...
Head and neck cancer (HNC) was the seventh most common cancer in the world in 2018. Treatment of a patient may include surgery, radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these methods. Ionizing radiation used during RT covers relatively large volumes of healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. The acute form of radiation-induced dermatitis (ARD) are skin lesions that appear usually within 90 days of the start of RT. This is a prospective study which compares 2244 dermoscopy images and 374 clinical photographs of irradiated skin and healthy skin of 26 patients at on average 15 time points. Dermoscopy pictures were evaluated independently by 2 blinded physicians. Vessels in reticular distribution, white, yellow or brown scale in a patchy distribution, perifollicular pigmentation and follicular plugs arranged in rosettes were most often observed. For these dermoscopic features, agreement with macroscopic features was observed. Two independent predictors of severe acute toxicity were identified: gender and concurrent chemotherapy. Knowledge of dermoscopic features could help in the early assessment of acute toxicity and the immediate implementation of appropriate therapeutic strategies. This may increase the tolerance of RT in these groups of patients.
Topics: Humans; Radiodermatitis; Dermoscopy; Prospective Studies; Radiation Oncology; Head and Neck Neoplasms
PubMed: 37735505
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42507-1 -
Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia 2024One of the main adverse reactions of adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer is radiodermatitis.
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.
Topics: Humans; Female; Radiodermatitis; Incidence; Cohort Studies; Prospective Studies; Breast Neoplasms; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Hydrogels
PubMed: 37657957
DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2023.01.004 -
Medicine Aug 2023Acute radiodermatitis is a significant complication of cancer radiotherapy, and platelet-based therapies are emerging as potential new treatments.
INTRODUCTION
Acute radiodermatitis is a significant complication of cancer radiotherapy, and platelet-based therapies are emerging as potential new treatments.
MAIN SYMPTOMS AND IMPORTANT CLINICAL FINDINGS
In this report, we present the case of a patient with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy combined with the monoclonal antibody cetuximab. After 4 weeks of this treatment, the patient developed cutaneous radiation dermatitis. Despite receiving standard treatment with corticosteroids and emollient cream, the lesion did not improve.
MAIN DIAGNOSIS
cutaneous radiation dermatitis on head and neck cancer patient.
THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS
Topical application of platelet gel was initiated on the wound. From the second week of radiotherapy to the 4th week, homologous platelet-rich plasma was applied on the dermatitis using a bandage, 4 times a day.
OUTCOMES
The topical treatment with homologous platelet gel resulted in complete healing of the radiodermatitis, including restoration of the epidermis, reepithelialization, and reduction in associated pain.
CONCLUSION
homologous platelet gel might be an alternative to standard treatment of radiation dermatitis.
Topics: Radiodermatitis; Cetuximab; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Male; Aged; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Blood Platelets; Gels; Complementary Therapies
PubMed: 37653754
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034779 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2023Several reports have evaluated the efficacy and safety of concurrent radiotherapy with cetuximab (BRT) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Combination...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Several reports have evaluated the efficacy and safety of concurrent radiotherapy with cetuximab (BRT) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Combination therapy with cetuximab can be a treatment option for NPC. Although clinical data regarding the efficacy and safety of BRT without induction chemotherapy (ICT) or adjuvant chemotherapy is essential for the development of new therapeutic strategies, such data are rarely reported.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We retrospectively investigated a series of patients with NPC treated in our institution to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BRT. Eleven patients with newly diagnosed NPC were identified from an inpatient database from July 2015 to April 2018. Seven patients who received BRT were reviewed.
RESULTS
All patients completed BRT without cessation of treatment. Six (85.7%) patients achieved a complete response and one (14.3%) achieved stable disease. The response rate was 85.7%. All patients with ≤T3 disease achieved a complete response. Both patients with T3 disease developed local recurrence, and one of the four patients with T1-2 disease developed distant metastases. The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 85.7% and 47.6%, respectively. The most common adverse events (AEs) were pharyngeal mucositis (100%), radiation dermatitis (100%), anorexia (28.6%), weight loss (28.6%), acneiform rash (28.6%), and dry mouth (28.6%). Grade 3 AEs were pharyngeal mucositis (42.9%), radiation dermatitis (28.6%), and anorexia (14.3%). No grade 4/5 AEs were observed.
CONCLUSION
BRT for NPC was tolerable, but our findings suggest that BRT without induction chemotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy is insufficient at least for ≥T3 disease.
Topics: Humans; Cetuximab; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Mucositis; Retrospective Studies; Anorexia; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Radiodermatitis; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cisplatin; Chemoradiotherapy
PubMed: 37652522
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13323 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) solution treating the acute severe dermatitis in patients receiving radiotherapy. This...
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) solution treating the acute severe dermatitis in patients receiving radiotherapy. This phase I research enrolled patients with thoracic cancer receiving radiotherapy at Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute in Shandong, China. EGCG solution was sprayed to the radiation field when grade III radiation-induced dermatitis (RID) first appearance. EGCG concentration escalated from 660 to 2574 μmol/L using modified-Fibonacci dose-escalation. RID and related symptoms were followed up every day. Between March 2021 and November 2021, 19 patients were enrolled in this phase I research. The median dose of grade III RID first observation was 44 Gy (30.6-52 Gy). As the EGCG treatment was performed continuously, all these grade III RID reactions were significantly decreased to grade I or grade II RID at three days after use of EGCG (p < 0.001). Significant relief can be observed in burning sensation (p < 0.001), tractive sensation (p < 0.001), tenderness (p < 0.001), erythema (p < 0.001), itching (p < 0.001) and pain (p < 0.001) after 15 days of EGCG treatment. No radiation therapy delay or interruption for all 19 patients. No adverse events were observed and reported associated with EGCG. The highest dose of this Phase I trial (2574 μmol/L) was recommended for continuous Phase II trial for further evaluation. In this phase I clinical research, use of EGCG solution is safe and can significantly relief grade III RID in patients receiving radiotherapy. Thus, EGCG might be a new choice for acute sever RID.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02580279 (Full date of first registration: 12/2014).
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Dermatitis; Catechin; Radiodermatitis; Acute Disease
PubMed: 37620508
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40881-4 -
Gynecologic Oncology Reports Aug 2023Radiation Recall encompasses an array of inflammatory reactions, most commonly dermatitis, that occurs in response to a systemic medication with distribution in a...
Radiation Recall encompasses an array of inflammatory reactions, most commonly dermatitis, that occurs in response to a systemic medication with distribution in a previously irradiated field. While historically cytotoxic chemotherapy was a major culprit, this case report describes radiation recall dermatitis in response to pembrolizumab and lenvatinib in a 62-year old female with ongoing advanced endometrial cancer and history of breast cancer. Discontinuation of lenvatinib alone lead to complete resolution of the dermatitis, and she ultimately resumed her previous lenvatinib dose without recurrent symptoms. This case represents an important possible adverse effect of a commonly used targeted therapy, particularly in a population likely to have a history of prior radiation exposure.
PubMed: 37533427
DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2023.101239 -
Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland) Oct 2023Radiation dermatitis (RD) is the most common side effect of adjuvant whole-breast or chest wall irradiation, majorly impacting quality of life in numerous patients. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Radiation dermatitis (RD) is the most common side effect of adjuvant whole-breast or chest wall irradiation, majorly impacting quality of life in numerous patients. The use of barrier films (polyurethane dressings such as Hydrofilm® and Mepitel® film remaining on the skin for the duration of the radiation treatment) has been investigated as a prophylactic measure in several prospective trials. Here, we critically appraise the available evidence behind preventive barrier film application in the context of breast cancer treatment.
METHODS
International literature was reviewed and high-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis.
RESULTS
The results of 5 RCTs (663 patients; >90% Caucasian) were analysed. Overall, barrier films lead to improved clinician- and patient-reported outcomes: fewer grade ≥2 RD (11% vs. 42%; OR = 0.16; p < 0.001) and moist desquamation (2% vs. 16%; OR = 0.12; p = 0.006), as well as less patient-reported pain (standardised mean difference [SMD] -0.51; p < 0.001), itching (SMD -0.52; p = 0.001), burning (SMD -0.41; p = 0.011), and limitations in daily activities (SMD -0.20; p = 0.007). Furthermore, barrier films have a high acceptance rate among patients, as well as a favourable cost-benefit ratio. Possible side effects due to its application are mild and mostly self-limiting. Overall, there was a lack of information on the radiation treatment techniques used.
CONCLUSION
The evidence presented in this meta-analysis suggests that barrier films are an excellent tool in the prevention of RD among Caucasian patients receiving whole-breast or chest wall irradiation. Its use should therefore be considered routinely in these patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Radiodermatitis; Skin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37473629
DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2023.07.001