Keloid treatment: what about adjuvant radiotherapy?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Keloids are benign fibrous skin growths with high recurrence rates post-surgery.
• Postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) is a recognized adjuvant therapy to mitigate keloid recurrence.
• Optimal PORT regimens for combined treatment remain undefined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of combining surgical excision with immediate PORT for keloid treatment.
• To evaluate recurrence and complication rates following this combined therapeutic approach.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients treated with keloids and adjuvant PORT (2005-2014).
• Inclusion criteria: minimal 1-year follow-up.
• Outcome measures: recurrence rates, complication incidence, and scar assessment scores.

Main Results:

• 10 patients with 16 keloids were analyzed (mean follow-up: 37 months).
• A low recurrence rate of 6% (1 of 16 keloids) was observed.
• Mild erythema occurred in 12.5% of cases; no major complications were reported.
• Excellent patient and observer satisfaction scores were achieved.

Conclusions:

• Surgical excision followed by immediate PORT is an effective, straightforward treatment for keloids.
• This combined approach yields favorable cosmetic results and an acceptable recurrence rate.
• Consideration is advised for patients with refractory keloids or high relapse risk.