Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2025

Establishment of a Robust and Reproducible Model of Radiation-Induced Skin and Muscle Fibrosis
Published on: August 31, 2022
An Unusual and Exaggerated Local Cutaneous Reaction Following Re-Irradiation and Fulvestrant Administration: A
Valentina Zagardo1, Dorotea Sciacca2, Gianluca Ferini1,3
1Department of Radiation Oncology, REM Radioterapia Srl, 95029 Viagrande, Italy.
Abstract:
A 56-year-old female with a history of Luminal A breast cancer, previously treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, underwent palliative re-irradiation in November 2024 for painful bone metastases. Three weeks later, following the initiation of Fulvestrant, she developed a grade 3 erythematous reaction localized to the re-irradiated area. The reaction persisted with minimal improvement over two months, despite symptomatic management. No infectious or allergic etiologies were identified, and dosimetric analysis confirmed that the delivered radiation dose to the skin was insufficient to directly induce such a reaction. Notably, the erythema was most pronounced along a pre-existing surgical scar, suggesting a localized inflammatory response. Given the temporal relationship with Fulvestrant administration, we hypothesize a drug-induced recall-like phenomenon, though no previous reports have specifically linked Fulvestrant to such an event. This case underscores the need for awareness of unexpected cutaneous reactions following re-irradiation and highlights the potential role of systemic therapies in modulating local tissue responses.

