Radiation therapy for widespread actinic keratoses

To profile 16 patients with widespread and resistant actinic keratoses (AKs) treated with radiation therapy.

Chart review and phone interviews of 16 patients who were treated with radiation therapy between 2003 and 2010.

A specialized dermatological practice primarily treating patients with skin cancer.

The study population at the time of treatment was aged 70 to 87 with a mean age of 79.6 years and included 14 men and two women.

Patients were followed at two weeks and six months after treatment to assess clinical outcome. All adverse effects were recorded. Patients were contacted for phone interview to assess patient satisfaction after treatment.

Patients all had significant reduction of AKs in the radiation field with a majority (90%) reporting they were "very satisfied" with their treatment outcome. Of 16 patients at two weeks post-treatment, 13 had complete clinical resolution of their AK after radiation therapy. Three of 16 patients had significant reduction (50-99%) in AK in the treatment field. Patients reported improved quality of life, a reduced need for frequent clinic visits, and long-term remission from the development of new AKs within the treatment field.

Patients meeting suggested specific criteria developed by the authors may be treated successfully with radiation therapy with good outcomes at six-month follow up and high levels of patient satisfaction.