Singh M, Alavi A, Wong R, Akita S, et al.
American journal of clinical dermatology. Date of publication 2016 Jun 1;volume 17(3):277-92.
1. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2016 Jun;17(3):277-92. doi: 10.1007/s40257-016-0186-4.
Radiodermatitis: A Review of Our Current Understanding.
Singh M(1), Alavi A(2), Wong R(3), Akita S(4).
Author information:
(1)University of Toronto, 39 Queen Quay East, Unit: 1303, Toronto, ON, M5E 0A5,
Canada. manni.singh@mail.utoronto.ca.
(2)Department of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON,
Canada.
(3)Department of Radiooncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
(4)Department of Plastic Surgery, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan.
Radiodermatitis (radiation dermatitis, radiation-induced skin reactions, or
radiation injury) is a significant side effect of ionizing radiation delivered to
the skin during cancer treatment as well as a result of nuclear attacks and
disasters, such as that which occurred in Fukushima in 2011. More specifically,
95 % of cancer patients receiving radiation therapy will develop some form of
radiodermatitis, including erythema, dry desquamation, and moist desquamation.
These radiation skin reactions result in a myriad of complications, including
delays in treatment, diminished aesthetic appeal, and reduced quality of life.
Recent technological advancements and novel treatment regimens have only been
successful in partly ameliorating these adverse side effects. This article
examines the current knowledge surrounding the pathogenesis, clinical
manifestations, differential diagnoses, prevention, and management of
radiodermatitis. Future research should examine therapies that incorporate the
current understanding of the pathophysiology of radiodermatitis while measuring
effectiveness using objective and universal outcome measures.
DOI: 10.1007/s40257-016-0186-4
PMID: 27021652 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
