Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
12:23
Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Radio-induced bullous pemphigoid
Joaquín J Cabrera-Rodríguez1, Julia L Muñoz-García, Juan Quirós Rivero
1Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Infanta Cristina, Badajoz, Spain. joaquinjosecabrera@gmail.com
Summary
Two elderly women developed radio-induced bullous pemphigoid (BP) during breast cancer radiotherapy. This rare complication resolved favorably with steroid therapy, indicating effective treatment options for radiation-induced skin reactions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare autoimmune blistering skin disease.
- Radiotherapy, commonly used in cancer treatment, can induce various dermatological side effects.
- The occurrence of BP as a complication of radiotherapy is infrequently reported.
Observation:
- Two elderly female patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer presented with new-onset bullous pemphigoid.
- The onset of bullous pemphigoid symptoms coincided with the period of radiation treatment.
- Clinical observation documented the development of characteristic blistering lesions.
Findings:
- The cases confirm bullous pemphigoid as a potential, albeit rare, complication of radiotherapy.
- Both patients experienced favorable outcomes following the initiation of systemic steroid therapy.
- Prompt treatment with corticosteroids led to the resolution of the radiation-induced bullous pemphigoid.
Implications:
- This report highlights the importance of recognizing bullous pemphigoid in patients undergoing radiotherapy, especially for breast cancer.
- Steroid therapy appears to be an effective management strategy for radio-induced bullous pemphigoid.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms underlying radiation-induced autoimmunity and inform preventative strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
01:02Long-patch Base Excision Repair
Since the discovery of the two BER pathways, there has been a debate about how a cell chooses one pathway over the other and the factors determining this selection. Numerous in vitro experiments have pointed out multiple determinants for the sub-pathway selection. These are:
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:19Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...