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Strahlentherapie und Onkologie

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27-09-2023 | Breast Cancer | Review Article

Decrease of radiation-induced skin reactions in breast cancer patients by preventive application of film dressings—a systematic review

Authors: Judith Kraemer, M.D., Felix Momm

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 2/2024

Abstract

Purpose

Radiation-induced skin reactions remain one of the most frequent side effects of adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer, which is the most common global malignancy. In individual cases, we observed a decrease in radiation dermatitis under film dressings used for skin marking purposes. Therefore, we decided to revise the available evidence regarding the prophylactic use of film dressings to reduce radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients.

Methods

On 20 March 2023, we conducted a systematic review of literature for randomized controlled trials published in the English, German, French, or Spanish language, available in the PubMed database.

Results

Of 82 publications, 9 full texts were assessed and 6 randomized controlled trials were included in the final synthesis. Two trials analyzed the application of polyurethane film (Hydrofilm, Paul Hartmann AG, Heidenheim, Germany), the other four of silicone-based polyurethane film (Mepitel film, Molnlycke Health Care Limited, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom). The evaluation scales Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), and the Radiation-Induced Skin Reaction Assessment Scale (RISRAS) were used for assessment. All six trials, with a total of 788 patients yielding data for analysis, demonstrate a significant decrease in radiation-induced skin reactions by use of the film (mainly p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our analysis demonstrates a significant decrease in radiation-induced skin reactions by prophylactically applied film dressings in breast cancer patients. Consequent preventive use of film dressings might systematically reduce acute radiation-induced skin reactions in these patients.

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Title: Decrease of radiation-induced skin reactions in breast cancer patients by preventive application of film dressings—a systematic review
Authors: Judith Kraemer, M.D.
Felix Momm
Publication date: 27-09-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Radiotherapy
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 2/2024
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-023-02151-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Decrease of radiation-induced skin reactions in breast cancer patients by preventive application of film dressings—a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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