Chronological Skin Changes Through Postmastectomy Radiotherapy Based on Radiotherapy Techniques: Using Quantitative...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Quantitative assessment of skin changes during radiotherapy is limited.
• Evaluating objective skin status changes is crucial for breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively evaluate skin status changes in breast cancer patients undergoing postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT).
• To compare the effects of two radiotherapy techniques: conventional photon tangential technique (PTT) and patient-tailored bolus technique (PTB).

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 40 breast cancer patients from August 2015 to March 2019.
• Serial dermatological measurements were taken during and after PMRT.
• Analysis using a mixed-effects model, comparing clinical radiation dermatitis and patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Main Results:

• Significant differences in melanin and erythema trends between PTB and PTT groups (p=0.045 and p=0.016).
• Higher erythema intensity and melanin levels observed in the PTB group at 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001).
• Higher incidence of grade 2 and 3 radiation dermatitis in the PTB group compared to the PTT group.

Conclusions:

• The PTB technique led to increased erythema and prolonged melanin increase post-radiotherapy compared to PTT.
• Patients reported more severe symptoms with the PTB technique, indicating a need for technique optimization.