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Revisiting Radiotherapy for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Clinical Outcomes, Safety, and Optimization Strategies: A
Michal Poltorak1, Pawel Banatkiewicz1, Lukasz Poltorak2
1The National Institute of Medicine of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Woloska 137, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Radiotherapy, enhanced by 3D printing, shows promise for severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). This approach offers precise, personalized treatment with improved patient comfort and minimal toxicity for refractory HS cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with significant quality of life impact, often resistant to conventional therapies.
- Existing treatments like antibiotics, hormonal therapy, and surgery frequently offer insufficient long-term relief for moderate to severe HS.
- Radiotherapy is being explored as an adjunctive treatment for refractory HS, with a focus on advanced application techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy of radiotherapy as an adjunctive treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
- To specifically evaluate the role and impact of 3D printing technology in creating personalized boluses and applicators for HS radiotherapy.
- To assess patient outcomes and adverse effects associated with radiotherapy in HS management.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
- Studies were analyzed for radiotherapy techniques, dosing, and the utilization of 3D-printed devices in HS treatment.
- Selected studies encompassed external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy, focusing on efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports radiotherapy for severe or treatment-resistant HS, particularly when utilizing 3D-printed custom boluses and applicators.
- 3D printing enhances radiotherapy precision, patient comfort, and dose accuracy while minimizing healthy tissue exposure.
- Most studies reported no significant long-term toxicity, indicating a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Radiotherapy, especially when combined with 3D printing for personalized applicators, is a promising adjunctive therapy for refractory HS.
- Customized 3D-printed devices improve radiotherapy precision and conformity to skin surfaces, potentially reducing side effects.
- Further research is warranted to confirm long-term safety and clinical feasibility, but this integrated approach offers improved outcomes for HS patients.
