Abstract | PURPOSE: We speculated that a systematic program to manage radiation dermatitis might decrease the incidence of severe or fatal cases in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Here, we conducted a prospective phase II study to clarify the clinical benefit of a Dermatitis Control Program (DeCoP) that did not use corticosteroids. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Head and neck cancer patients scheduled to receive definitive or postoperative radiotherapy were enrolled. Radiation dermatitis was managed with a DeCoP consisting of a three-step ladder: Step 1, gentle washing; Step 2, gentle washing and moistening of the wound-healing environment; Step 3, prevention against infection, gentle washing and moistening of the wound-healing environment. The primary endpoint was the incidence of grade 4 dermatitis. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were registered between January 2009 and February 2010. Eighty patients received radiotherapy as an initial approach, while the remaining 33 received radiotherapy postoperatively. Grade 3 and 4 dermatitis events occurred in 11 (9.7%) and 0 (0%, 95% confidence interval 0-3.2%) patients, respectively. Median radiation dose at the onset of grade 2 dermatitis was 61.5 Gy (range 36-70 Gy) and median period between onset and recovery was 14 days (range 1-46 days). CONCLUSION: The Dermatitis Control Program has promising clinical potential. Radiation dermatitis might be manageable if gentle washing and moistening of the wound-healing environment is done.
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Authors | Sadamoto Zenda, Shinobu Ishi, Mitsuhiko Kawashima, Satoko Arahira, Makoto Tahara, Ryuichi Hayashi, Seiji Kishimoto, Tomiko Ichihashi |
Journal | International journal of clinical oncology
(Int J Clin Oncol)
Vol. 18
Issue 2
Pg. 350-5
(Apr 2013)
ISSN: 1437-7772 [Electronic] Japan |
PMID | 22350025
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Female
- Head and Neck Neoplasms
(complications, pathology, radiotherapy)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prospective Studies
- Radiation Dosage
- Radiodermatitis
(drug therapy, pathology)
- Wound Healing
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