Results and side effects of dermatologic radiotherapy: a retrospective study of irradiated cutaneous epithelial neoplasms.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Ionizing radiation therapy has a well-defined role among several therapeutic options available for the management of cutaneous neoplasms. However, many dermatologists today are not aware of its potential.

OBJECTIVE:

Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy in a large series of patients with primary malignant epithelial neoplasms (PMENs), who had been subjected to radiotherapy between 1982 and 1995.

METHODS:

A retrospective study was performed on 1188 patients with a total of 2002 PMENs that had been treated by contact, superficial, and intermediate x-ray therapy.

RESULTS:

Complete remission was obtained in 98.7% of the irradiated lesions. The 5-year cure rate was 90.73%. Cosmetic results were evaluated as "good" or "acceptable" in 84.01% of the treated lesions. Acute complications occurred in 1.94% and chronic complications in 0.34%. To date, neither radio-induced skin neoplasms nor late stochastic effects have been observed.

CONCLUSION:

This study confirms that dermatologic radiotherapy is an effective and reliable form of treatment of PMENs and has a favorable cure rate/toxicity ratio.

• Authors: M Caccialanza, R Piccinno, M Beretta, L Gnecchi
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 41 Issue 4 Pg. 589-94 (Oct 1999) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10495382 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Carcinoma (pathology, radiotherapy)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Radiodermatitis (etiology, pathology)
• Radiotherapy (adverse effects)
• Retrospective Studies
• Skin Neoplasms (radiotherapy)
• Treatment Outcome