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Using adjuvant radiotherapy for keloid scars: a patient and observer assessment study
Alice Santos-Alves1, Cláudia Franco-de Sá2, Pedro Soares1
1Radiotherapy Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto.
Cirugia Y Cirujanos
|August 18, 2025
Summary
Adjuvant electron beam radiotherapy (RT) effectively reduces keloid recurrence after surgical excision. This treatment improves scar appearance and patient satisfaction with minimal adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Radiation Oncology
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Keloids are benign fibroproliferative tumors resulting from abnormal wound healing.
- Surgical excision is a common treatment, but recurrence rates can be high.
- Adjuvant therapies are crucial for improving outcomes after keloid surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant electron beam radiotherapy (RT) in preventing keloid recurrence.
- To assess the impact of RT on scar-related outcomes.
- To determine patient satisfaction following combined surgical and RT treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 32 patients with 36 keloid scars.
- All patients underwent surgical excision followed by adjuvant electron beam RT.
- Scar assessment utilized the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale post-treatment.
Main Results:
- No major treatment-related adverse events were reported.
- Significant correlations found between overall scar score and color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity.
- Electron beam RT demonstrated effectiveness in reducing keloid recurrence and improving scar quality.
Conclusions:
- Combined surgical excision and adjuvant RT is a highly effective treatment for keloids.
- This approach leads to high patient satisfaction and low recurrence rates.
- Adjuvant electron beam RT is a valuable therapeutic option for keloid management.
