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Retrospective analysis of treatment of unresectable keloids with primary radiation over 25 years
K Malaker1, K Vijayraghavan, I Hodson
1Princess Norah Oncology Centre, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. kamal_malaker@hotmail.com
Aims:
The purpose of the study was to review retrospectively the role of primary radiotherapy for unresectable keloids.
Materials And Methods:
Kilovoltage X-rays and mega-voltage electron beams were used to irradiate large bulky unresectable keloids. A total of 3750 cGy was given in five once-weekly fractions, over a period of 5 weeks. Eighty-six keloids in 64 patients were treated between 1977 and 2002.
Results:
Ninety-seven per cent of this cohort had significant regression, and 3% had partial regression 18 months after completing radiotherapy. Both acute and long-term reactions were acceptable, and so far none of the patients have been reported as having cancer of any sort. Sixty-three per cent of the patients surveyed were very happy with the outcome of their treatment.
Conclusion:
Unresectable bulky symptomatic keloids can be satisfactorily treated with hypo-fractionated radiotherapy primarily using either kilovoltage X-rays or electron beams without significant short- or long-term side-effects.