Bolderston A, Lloyd NS, Wong RK, Holden L, Robb-Blenderman L, Supportive Care Guidelines Group of Cancer Care Ontario Program in Evidence-Based Care., et al.
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Car.... Date of publication 2006 Aug 1;volume 14(8):802-17.
1. Support Care Cancer. 2006 Aug;14(8):802-17. Epub 2006 Jun 7.
The prevention and management of acute skin reactions related to radiation
therapy: a systematic review and practice guideline.
Bolderston A(1), Lloyd NS, Wong RK, Holden L, Robb-Blenderman L; Supportive Care
Guidelines Group of Cancer Care Ontario Program in Evidence-Based Care.
Author information:
(1)Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University
Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9, Canada.
Comment in
Support Care Cancer. 2007 Oct;15(10):1219; author reply 1221.
GOALS OF WORK: To develop a practice guideline report on the questions: What are
the optimal methods to prevent acute skin reactions (occurring within the first 6
months of irradiation) related to radiation therapy? What are the optimal methods
to manage acute skin reactions related to radiation therapy?
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cancer Care Ontario's Supportive Care Guidelines Group
(SCGG) conducted a systematic review of literature on this topic. Evidence-based
recommendations were formulated to guide clinical decision making, and a formal
external review process was conducted to validate the relevance of these opinions
for Ontario practitioners.
MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-eight trials meeting the inclusion criteria were identified.
Of the twenty-three trials that evaluated preventative methods, washing was the
only practice which significantly prevented skin reaction. Some evidence
suggested topical steroid creams and calendula ointment might be effective. None
of the five trials evaluating skin reaction management detected a positive effect
using steroid cream, sucralfate cream, or dressings.
CONCLUSIONS: Skin washing, including gentle washing with water alone with or
without mild soap, should be permitted in patients receiving radiation therapy to
prevent acute skin reaction. There is insufficient evidence to support or refute
specific topical or oral agents for the prevention or management of acute skin
reaction. In the expert opinion from the SCGG, the use of a plain, non-scented,
lanolin-free hydrophilic cream may be helpful in preventing radiation skin
reactions. In addition, a low dose (i.e., 1%) corticosteroid cream may be
beneficial in the reduction of itching and irritation.
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-006-0063-4
PMID: 16758176 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
