Bray FN, Simmons BJ, Wolfson AH, Nouri K, et al.
Dermatology and therapy. Date of publication 2016 Jun 1;volume 6(2):185-206.
1. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016 Jun;6(2):185-206. doi: 10.1007/s13555-016-0120-y.
Epub 2016 Jun 1.
Acute and Chronic Cutaneous Reactions to Ionizing Radiation Therapy.
Bray FN(1), Simmons BJ(2), Wolfson AH(3), Nouri K(2).
Author information:
(1)Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller
School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA. fanetter@med.miami.edu.
(2)Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller
School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
(3)Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of
Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
Ionizing radiation is an important treatment modality for a variety of malignant
conditions. However, development of radiation-induced skin changes is a
significant adverse effect of radiation therapy (RT). Cutaneous repercussions of
RT vary considerably in severity, course, and prognosis. When they do occur,
cutaneous changes to RT are commonly graded as acute, consequential-late, or
chronic. Acute reactions can have severe sequelae that impact quality of life as
well as cancer treatment. Thus, dermatologists should be informed about these
adverse reactions, know how to assess their severity and be able to determine
course of management. The majority of measures currently available to prevent
these acute reactions are proper skin hygiene and topical steroids, which limit
the severity and decrease symptoms. Once acute cutaneous reactions develop, they
are treated according to their severity. Treatments are similar to those used in
prevention, but incorporate wound care management that maintains a moist
environment to hasten recovery. Chronic changes are a unique subset of adverse
reactions to RT that may develop months to years following treatment. Chronic
radiation dermatitis is often permanent, progressive, and potentially
irreversible with substantial impact on quality of life. Here, we also review the
etiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, prevention, and management of
late-stage cutaneous reactions to radiotherapy, including chronic radiation
dermatitis and radiation-induced fibrosis.
DOI: 10.1007/s13555-016-0120-y
PMCID: PMC4906114
PMID: 27250839
