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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy for the Quantitative Assessment of Acute Ionizing Radiation Induced Skin Toxicity Using a Mouse Model
Published on: May 27, 2016
Radiation therapy toxicity to the skin
T J Fitzgerald1, Maryann Bishop Jodoin, Gayle Tillman
1Department of Radiation Oncology and The Cancer Center, The University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Health Care, 55 Lake Avenue N., Worcester, MA 01655, USA. fitzgert@ummhc.org
Abstract:
Radiation therapy has been integral to cancer patient care. The skin is an intentional and unintentional target of therapy, and is sensitive to the volume of normal tissue in the radiation therapy treatment field, daily treatment dose (fractionation), and total treatment dose. We must understand the relationship of these factors to patient outcome as we move toward hypofractionation treatment strategies (radiosurgery). Chemotherapy agents and prescription medications may influence therapy-associated sequelae. Understanding this may prevent significant injury and discomfort. This article reviews established platforms of radiation therapy and sequelae associated with skin therapy. Interactions with other agents and possible predisposition to sequelae are reviewed. Skin cancer resulting from treatment and disease processes associated with possible limited outcome are also reviewed.
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