A systematic review to investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of interventions for moist desquamation in radiotherapy patients

Development of a theory-informed questionnaire to assess the acceptability of healthcare interventions

Background

The theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA) was developed in response to recommendations that acceptability should be assessed in the design, evaluation and implementation phases of healthcare interventions. The TFA consists of seven component constructs (affective attitude, burden, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy) that can help to identify characteristics of interventions that may be improved. The aim of this study was to develop a generic TFA questionnaire that can be adapted to assess acceptability of any healthcare intervention.

Methods

Two intervention-specific acceptability questionnaires based on the TFA were developed using a 5-step pre-validation method for developing patient-reported outcome instruments: 1) item generation; 2) item de-duplication; 3) item reduction and creation; 4) assessment of discriminant content validity against a pre-specified framework (TFA); 5) feedback from key stakeholders.

Next, a generic TFA-based questionnaire was developed and applied to assess prospective and retrospective acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine. A think-aloud method was employed with two samples: 10 participants who self-reported intention to have the COVID-19 vaccine, and 10 participants who self-reported receiving a first dose of the vaccine.

Results

1) The item pool contained 138 items, identified from primary papers included in an overview of reviews. 2) There were no duplicate items. 3) 107 items were discarded; 35 new items were created to maximise coverage of the seven TFA constructs. 4) 33 items met criteria for discriminant content validity and were reduced to two intervention-specific acceptability questionnaires, each with eight items. 5) Feedback from key stakeholders resulted in refinement of item wording, which was then adapted to develop a generic TFA-based questionnaire.

For prospective and retrospective versions of the questionnaire, no participants identified problems with understanding and answering items reflecting four TFA constructs: affective attitude, burden, perceived effectiveness, opportunity costs. Some participants encountered problems with items reflecting three constructs: ethicality, intervention coherence, self-efficacy.

Conclusions

A generic questionnaire for assessing intervention acceptability from the perspectives of intervention recipients was developed using methods for creating participant-reported outcome measures, informed by theory, previous research, and stakeholder input. The questionnaire provides researchers with an adaptable tool to measure acceptability across a range of healthcare interventions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07577-3.

Protective effects of doxepin cream on radiation dermatitis in breast cancer: A single arm double-blind randomized clinical trial

AIMS

Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer in women. Lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy is suggested to be as effective as a total mastectomy. Radiation-induced dermatitis often occurs as a result of breast radiotherapy. Recent studies suggest that doxepin has promising anti-inflammatory properties. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of doxepin therapy on radiation dermatitis.

METHODS

A double-blind randomized clinical trial was launched from 2016 to 2017, with a total of 48 patients who had undergone breast-conserving surgery and received postoperative radiation therapy. Radiotherapy was applied 5 days per week for 5 weeks. Adverse dermatological effects were evaluated by a physician at the beginning of the fifth week of radiotherapy and the patients were then randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive either doxepin (5%) or placebo cream for 7 days.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the dermatitis grade between doxepin and placebo groups at baseline (P > .5). The occurrence of acute dermatitis (grade 2 or higher) was significantly lower with the use of doxepin than with placebo (P ≤ .0001, Zα = 1.96 at 95% confidence interval).

CONCLUSION

Doxepin cream prevents dermatitis grade 2 or higher during post-operative breast irradiation. Doxepin cream is easy to use, affordable and prevents pain and irritation.

A technique to reduce skin toxicity in radiotherapy treatment planning for esophageal cancer

PURPOSE

To demonstrate a specific skin dose limiting technique in radiotherapy treatment planning for esophageal cancer and carry out a comparative analysis combining with clinical cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty patients with cervical and upper thoracic esophageal carcinoma previously treated in our institution were selected. A treatment plan had been finished previously according to the planning parameters directives from physician and delivered for each patient. In this study, we copied the previously delivered plans in radiotherapy treatment planning system and converted a low dose level (usually 5Gy) to a skin dose limiting structure (SDLS), then we set the objective functions of the SDLS in the Pinnacle Inverse Planning module and re-optimize the plans to reduce the skin doses. Finally, we compared the dose distribution and other parameters of target volume and organs at risk (OARs) between the old plans and the new plans.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in most of OARs sparing. However, for all plans, the maximum dose to the SDLS decreased from 6145.90 ± 416.96 cGy to 5562.09 ± 616.69 cGy with maximum difference of 1361.30 cGy (P < 0.05), the percentage volume of 40Gy received by the SDLS decreased from (10.20 ± 6.36)% to (5.46 ± 4084)% with maximum difference of 9.89% (P < 0.05). For the target volume, there was no significant difference in the average dose and maximum dose, the approximate minimum dose to the target volume decreased from 5711.28 ± 164.61 cGy to 5584.93 ± 157.70 cGy (P < 0.05), the conformal index and homogeneity index of the target volume were hardly changed.

CONCLUSION

In radiotherapy treatment planning for esophageal cancer patients, the skin dose can be significantly reduced using the skin dose limiting technique, and the impact on the dose to target volume and OARs is little, this technique can be used in most radiotherapy treatment planning.

Radiodermatitis - review of treatment options

Radiation dermatitis is one of the commonest side effects of ionizing radiation which is applied in radiotherapy of carcinoma of all localizations, most frequently of tumors of breast, head and neck region, lungs and soft tissue sarcomas. It usually occurs as a complication of breast radiotherapy and thus it is more often recorded in female patients on the skin in the region of breast subjected to radiation. Clinical manifestations of radiation dermatitis can be divided into four phases: acute phase (erythema, dry desquamation, moist desquamation, ulceration and necrosis with resulting re-epithelialization, residual post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, reduction and suppression of sebaceous and sweat glands and epilation); subacute phase (hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, telangiectasia, skin atrophy, even ulceration); chronic phase (skin atrophy, dermal fibrosis and permanent skin epilation) and late phase (increased risk of skin cancer). In order to prevent radiation dermatitis, skin care products should be applied throughout radiotherapy that will decrease the frequency of skin reactions or block them and thus improve life quality. Although the therapy includes not only topical corticosteroids but numerous other products with active ingredients such as aloe vera, calendula, hyaluronic acid, sucralfat, sorbolene, mineral and olive oil, honey, vitamin C, zinc, antimicrobials and silver, common therapeutic consensus has not been reached on their application in radiation dermatitis. Therefore, the treatment should be conducted according to the basic guidelines but tailor-made for each individual patient.

A scoring system predicting acute radiation dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Background and purpose

We created a scoring system incorporating dosimetric and clinical factors to assess the risk of severe, acute skin reactions in patients undergoing intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to treat head and neck cancer (HNC).

Materials and methods

A total of 101 consecutive patients who received definitive IMRT or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with a prescription dose of 70 Gy to treat HNC between 2013 and 2017 in our hospital were enrolled. Skin V_5Gy, V_10Gy, V_20Gy, V_30Gy, V_40Gy, V_50Gy, and V_60Gy values delivered 5 mm within the body contour were compared between patients with Grades 1–2 and Grade 3 dermatitis. A scoring system was created based on logistic regression analysis (LRA) that identified the most significant dosimetric and clinical factors.

Results

The V_60Gy was significantly associated with radiation dermatitis grade in both LRA and recursive partitioning analysis (RPA). A scoring system incorporating the V_60Gy, concurrent chemotherapy status, age, and body mass index was used to divide all patients into three subgroups (0–1, 2–3, and 4–6 points) in the RPA. The incidence of Grade 3 dermatitis significantly differed among the subgroups (0, 20.5, and 58.6%, respectively, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

A risk analysis model incorporating dose-volume parameters successfully predicted acute skin reactions and will aid in the appropriate management of radiation dermatitis.

A Canadian Survey of the Management of Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions

INTRODUCTION

Radiation therapy skin reactions are one of the most common side effects and can cause patient distress. In some cases, a severe radiation-induced skin reaction may limit delivered dose and potentially compromise treatment outcomes. There are some established best practices, but approaches and patient advice appear to have changed little over the years and are often based on tradition, not evidence. Canadian radiation therapy departments use different skin care products and approaches, and there has been little previous work to examine national practice patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study used a 42-item electronic survey based on a questionnaire designed by the UK Society and College of Radiographers. Practice data were collected related to assessment and prophylactics, interventions for prevention and management, and use of tools and guidelines. The final survey version was distributed to an identified radiation therapist-registered nurse dyad at each radiation therapy department in Canada (n = 44).

RESULTS

Thirty-three departments responded (75% response rate). Results suggest a variation in national management. A number of departments continue to advise patients not to wash or use deodorant/antiperspirant despite having evidence to the contrary. There are also unnecessary restrictions on the use and timing of application of lotions as well as conflicting postradiotherapy skin care instructions regarding sun exposure.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated variation in practice across Canadian radiation therapy departments. National interprofessional guidelines could improve uptake of best practices. Where there is little evidence, a stress-reduction approach with more collaborative decision-making should be used to minimize patient disruption.

Effect of prophylactic cefalexin treatment on the development of bacterial infection in acute radiation-induced dermatitis in dogs: a blinded randomized controlled prospective clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Acute radiation-induced dermatitis (ARID) is a common sequela of radiation therapy and carries the risk of secondary bacterial skin infection. No standard of care exists for managing canine ARID and evidence-based guidelines are lacking; however, prophylactic use of antibiotics is common.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of prophylactic cefalexin on the prevalence and severity of bacterial infection in canine ARID.

ANIMALS

Seventeen dogs treated with definitive-intent radiotherapy.

METHODS

All dogs were treated with definitive-intent radiation therapy (48-57.5 gray) targeted to the skin surface. Dogs were randomized to receive either prophylactic cefalexin (22 mg/kg twice daily) beginning halfway through the prescribed radiotherapy course (cohort A) or to serve as controls (cohort B). Aerobic skin cultures and surface cytological evaluation were performed at first onset of moist desquamation and one week following completion of radiation therapy. Skin toxicity grading and owner quality of life (QoL) questionnaires were performed weekly. The rate of infection, multidrug resistance status, toxicity severity and QoL between cohorts were compared.

RESULTS

Staphylococcus schleiferi and S. pseudintermedius were the most frequent bacterial agents isolated in both cohorts. There was no significant difference in prevalence of bacterial infection or overall QoL between cohorts at either time point; however, multidrug-resistant infections were significantly increased in cohort A versus cohort B. Clinician- and client-perceived severity of toxicity was significantly greater and median duration of moist desquamation was significantly longer in cohort A than cohort B.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Prophylactic use of cefalexin for management of canine ARID is not recommended.

Efficacy of a hydroactive colloid gel versus historical controls for the prevention of radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation in breast cancer patients

PURPOSE

Radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation (RIMD) is a complication that can affect patients' quality of life and jeopardize radiotherapy outcomes. The curative use of a hydroactive colloid gel has previously been shown effective in the management of RIMD in breast cancer patients. This study aimed at investigating the efficacy of this same gel but in the prevention of RIMD.

METHODS

A group of breast cancer patients who applied the hydroactive gel from start to end of post-lumpectomy radiotherapy (Preventive Hydrogel group) were compared with two groups of matched historical controls: a group applying a dexpanthenol cream throughout their therapy and a group applying first the dexpanthenol cream then, after 11-14 fractions of radiotherapy, the hydroactive gel (Curative Hydrogel group). All patients received identical fractionation regimen. The clinical outcomes were the incidence and time to onset of RIMD.

KEY RESULTS

After 25 fractions of radiotherapy (50 Gy), patients in the Preventive Hydrogel group (N = 202) developed RIMD significantly less frequently and later than patients in the Dexpanthenol group (N = 131; incidence = 7% vs 35% respectively, odds ratios = 7.27; probability of RIMD-free survival after 50 Gy = 0.88 vs 0.62). There were no significant differences between the Preventive and the Curative Hydrogel group (N = 87).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm our previous results: applying the hydroactive colloid gel, rather than dexpanthenol, delayed the onset and reduced the incidence of RIMD in breast cancer patients. However, applying the hydrogel preventively offered no statistically significant advantages over applying it curatively.

Vitamin D ointment for prevention of radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients

Radiation dermatitis occurs frequently during adjuvant radiation therapy for breast cancer. Prevention of radiation dermatitis by applying various creams and ointments has a limited success, and Aqua cream which has urea as one of its active ingredients is used in many institutions as a preventive treatment. The primary goal of this study is to assess the effect of vitamin D (calcipotriol) ointment in prevention of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients compared to Aqua cream. Twenty-three women with localized breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving surgery and opted to receive adjuvant radiotherapy to breast only were enrolled in this study. A cream containing an active vitamin D analog, calcipotriol (Daivonex), was randomly applied either to the medial or to the lateral half of the irradiated breast, while Aqua cream was applied to the complimentary half of the same breast along the whole treatment days, each day, after the delivery of radiation. Skin reaction was recorded and compared between the two halves of the breast. Vitamin D was well tolerated by patients with no local or systemic allergic reactions. Radiation dermatitis was not significantly different between both treatment arms. Topical vitamin D ointment is not superior to Aqua cream for prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis in women treated with adjuvant radiation for breast cancer.

Vitamin D ointment is no better than urea cream at preventing radiation-induced skin damage in breast cancer patients. Researchers in Israel led by Eyal Fenig from the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva studied 23 women with localized breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving surgery and received adjuvant radiation to destroy any tumor cells left behind. Each day after their radiation therapy, the women applied an active vitamin D analog called calcipotriol (Daivonex) to half of their irradiated breast and a skin-hydrating, urea-containing ointment called Aqua cream to the other half of the same breast. The topical vitamin D ointment was well tolerated by the study participants. However, there was no noticeable difference in the effect of calcipotriol or Aqua cream for the vast majority of the women.

Acceptability of healthcare interventions: an overview of reviews and development of a theoretical framework

BACKGROUND

It is increasingly acknowledged that 'acceptability' should be considered when designing, evaluating and implementing healthcare interventions. However, the published literature offers little guidance on how to define or assess acceptability. The purpose of this study was to develop a multi-construct theoretical framework of acceptability of healthcare interventions that can be applied to assess prospective (i.e. anticipated) and retrospective (i.e. experienced) acceptability from the perspective of intervention delivers and recipients.

METHODS

Two methods were used to select the component constructs of acceptability. 1) An overview of reviews was conducted to identify systematic reviews that claim to define, theorise or measure acceptability of healthcare interventions. 2) Principles of inductive and deductive reasoning were applied to theorise the concept of acceptability and develop a theoretical framework. Steps included (1) defining acceptability; (2) describing its properties and scope and (3) identifying component constructs and empirical indicators.

RESULTS

From the 43 reviews included in the overview, none explicitly theorised or defined acceptability. Measures used to assess acceptability focused on behaviour (e.g. dropout rates) (23 reviews), affect (i.e. feelings) (5 reviews), cognition (i.e. perceptions) (7 reviews) or a combination of these (8 reviews). From the methods described above we propose a definition: Acceptability is a multi-faceted construct that reflects the extent to which people delivering or receiving a healthcare intervention consider it to be appropriate, based on anticipated or experienced cognitive and emotional responses to the intervention. The theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA) consists of seven component constructs: affective attitude, burden, perceived effectiveness, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity costs, and self-efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Despite frequent claims that healthcare interventions have assessed acceptability, it is evident that acceptability research could be more robust. The proposed definition of acceptability and the TFA can inform assessment tools and evaluations of the acceptability of new or existing interventions.

Effectiveness and Acceptability of a Moisturizing Cream and a Barrier Cream During Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer in the Tropics: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Inconsistent evidence about product effectiveness to prevent moist desquamation during radiation treatment and minimal research about the acceptability to patients of recommended products prompted this study.

OBJECTIVE

This randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness of 2 creams at minimizing the incidence of moist desquamation in a tropical setting and explored which product was most acceptable to patients receiving radiation treatment.

METHODS

Participants (n = 255) were stratified according to breast or chest wall radiation treatment and randomly allocated to use a moisturizing or barrier cream. Nurses assessed radiation skin reactions weekly with a standardized grading system, and patients were telephoned 1 month after completing treatment for a final skin assessment. Participants completed an Acceptability Survey at similar times.

RESULTS

At treatment completion, 15% of participants had moist desquamation. An additional 26% self-reported this at follow-up. Risk factors for moist desquamation included increased breast cup size and body mass index. The barrier cream significantly reduced the incidence of moist desquamation during treatment in patients receiving radiation to the chest wall (χ = 3.93, P = .047). Participants preferred the barrier cream over the moisturizer (χ = 5.81, P = .02) during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified a relatively high incidence of moist desquamation in patients receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer. Future patients will have information about product effectiveness in minimizing moist desquamation when choosing skin care products.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Structured discharge planning and patient education need to include information about factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing moist desquamation.

Colloidal oatmeal emollient as an alternative skincare approach in radiotherapy: a feasibility study

Aim

To assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) on patients receiving radical radiotherapy for carcinoma of the anus in order to compare the present skincare advice at the time of the study with an alternative product, Aveeno, used primarily for dermatological and chemotherapeutic-induced skin conditions.

Materials and method

Standardised Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grading and skincare assessments were used primarily to inform on physical reactions within a RCT. A pre-existing morbidity/quality-of-life instrument ‘the Head and Neck Radiotherapy Questionnaire’, which was validated for use with radiotherapy patients in preceding studies, was adapted for anus patients and formed the secondary basis for data collection. In all, 24 participants undergoing radical radiotherapy for anal cancer were randomised into two arms, Aveeno cream versus Aqueous Cream BP, and reviewed weekly to collect data and perform analysis and Mann–Whitney U non-parametric statistical tests.

Results

RTOG gradings for skin reactions were comparable week by week across the cohorts, with a baseline 100% of participants exhibiting RTOG 0 at week 1 in all areas, through to week 6 where both cohorts had progressed to higher RTOG grades. The Aveeno cohort, however, indicated ap-value approaching significance in regards to epidermal regeneration at follow-up 1 (p=0·0543). Questionnaires yielded diminishing responses as treatment progressed correlating with advancing RTOG grades, and exhibited increasing negativity in responses in correlation with advancing RTOG grade exhibited.

Conclusion

The study was the first to recognise colloidal oatmeal as a skincare approach in the radiotherapy setting and recognises the potential benefits of Aveeno in radiation-induced skin reactions. The study determined the RTOG grading system to be robust as a method of evaluation of skin reactions and the questionnaires deemed the quality-of-life assessment to be a necessity in order to address patients’ psychological needs in addition to the physical needs.

Acute and Chronic Cutaneous Reactions to Ionizing Radiation Therapy

Ionizing radiation is an important treatment modality for a variety of malignant conditions. However, development of radiation-induced skin changes is a significant adverse effect of radiation therapy (RT). Cutaneous repercussions of RT vary considerably in severity, course, and prognosis. When they do occur, cutaneous changes to RT are commonly graded as acute, consequential-late, or chronic. Acute reactions can have severe sequelae that impact quality of life as well as cancer treatment. Thus, dermatologists should be informed about these adverse reactions, know how to assess their severity and be able to determine course of management. The majority of measures currently available to prevent these acute reactions are proper skin hygiene and topical steroids, which limit the severity and decrease symptoms. Once acute cutaneous reactions develop, they are treated according to their severity. Treatments are similar to those used in prevention, but incorporate wound care management that maintains a moist environment to hasten recovery. Chronic changes are a unique subset of adverse reactions to RT that may develop months to years following treatment. Chronic radiation dermatitis is often permanent, progressive, and potentially irreversible with substantial impact on quality of life. Here, we also review the etiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, prevention, and management of late-stage cutaneous reactions to radiotherapy, including chronic radiation dermatitis and radiation-induced fibrosis.

Treating breast cancer radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation with a traditional Chinese medicine formula: a case series pilot study

Abstract Objective: A case series is presented to investigate the efficacy and safety of Erhegao for patients with breast cancer who have radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation.

METHODS

Eighteen women with breast cancer who received radiotherapy and developed moist desquamation were enrolled. Erhegao cream, a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula consisting of zinc oxide powder, calamine powder, and lithospermum oil, was applied on areas of moist desquamation. Application was repeated once a day until healing. The primary end point for efficacy was the time to healing of the moist desquamation areas. A numerical rating scale was used to measure wound pain relief daily. Incidence of toxicity was also assessed.

RESULTS

The average time to healing of the moist desquamation area was 13.56 days. The mean pain scores on the first, third, and seventh days were 5.22, 2.94, and 0.83, respectively. Eight-three percent of patients reported pain relief after the first 3 days, and 94%, after the first week. The mean daily reduction in the pain score was 0.40. None of the patients developed clinical infections or reported any toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

This formula is effective and safe, especially for pain relief, and may be an alternative treatment for radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation in patients with breast cancer. Future randomized, controlled studies are needed to better evaluate the efficacy of Erhegao cream.

Retrospective study of radiotherapy-induced skin reactions in breast cancer patients: reduced incidence of moist desquamation with a hydroactive colloid gel versus dexpanthenol

PURPOSE

Dermatitis is a very frequent and distressing side effect of radiation therapy that may necessitate a treatment interruption when evolving towards more severe forms such as moist desquamation (MD). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two topical agents, a dexpanthenol cream vs a hydroactive colloid gel combining absorbing and moisturising properties, in preventing MD in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study compared two successive groups of breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy after breast-sparing surgery between 2008 and 2012. A group of 267 patients applied a 5% dexpanthenol cream on the irradiated zone throughout the course of their radiotherapy. Another group of 216 patients applied first the dexpanthenol cream then replaced it by the hydroactive colloid gel after 11-14 days of radiotherapy. Radiation treatment (total dose, technique, and equipment) was the same for the two groups. The clinical outcomes were the occurrence and time to onset of moist desquamation.

KEY RESULTS

The overall incidence of MD was significantly lower in patients who applied the hydroactive colloid gel (16%) than in those who applied the dexpanthenol cream (32%, odds-ratio = 0.35). Also, MD occurred significantly later with the hydroactive colloid gel than with the dexpanthenol cream (hazard ratio = 0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the dexpanthenol cream, the hydroactive colloid gel significantly reduced the risk of developing MD in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. These promising results warrant further research on the efficacy of hydroactive colloid gels in managing radiation dermatitis.

Prevention and treatment of acute radiation-induced skin reactions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Radiation-induced skin reaction (RISR) is a common side effect that affects the majority of cancer patients receiving radiation treatment. RISR is often characterised by swelling, redness, pigmentation, fibrosis, and ulceration, pain, warmth, burning, and itching of the skin. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of interventions which aim to prevent or manage RISR in people with cancer.

METHODS

We searched the following databases up to November 2012: Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL (2012, Issue 11), MEDLINE (from 1946), EMBASE (from 1974), PsycINFO (from 1806), CINAHL (from 1981) and LILACS (from 1982). Randomized controlled trials evaluating interventions for preventing or managing RISR in cancer patients were included. The primary outcomes were development of RISR, and levels of RISR and symptom severity. Secondary outcomes were time taken to develop erythema or dry desquamation; quality of life; time taken to heal, a number of skin reaction and symptom severity measures; cost, participant satisfaction; ease of use and adverse effects. Where appropriate, we pooled results of randomized controlled trials using mean differences (MD) or odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Forty-seven studies were included in this review. These evaluated six types of interventions (oral systemic medications; skin care practices; steroidal topical therapies; non-steroidal topical therapies; dressings and other). Findings from two meta-analyses demonstrated significant benefits of oral Wobe-Mugos E for preventing RISR (OR 0.13 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.38)) and limiting the maximal level of RISR (MD -0.92 (95% CI -1.36 to -0.48)). Another meta-analysis reported that wearing deodorant does not influence the development of RISR (OR 0.80 (95% CI 0.47 to 1.37)).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the high number of trials in this area, there is limited good, comparative research that provides definitive results suggesting the effectiveness of any single intervention for reducing RISR. More research is required to demonstrate the usefulness of a wide range of products that are being used for reducing RISR. Future efforts for reducing RISR severity should focus on promising interventions, such as Wobe-Mugos E and oral zinc.

Re-examining the evidence in radiation dermatitis management literature: an overview and a critical appraisal of systematic reviews

PURPOSE

To provide an overview and a critical appraisal of systematic reviews (SRs) of published interventions for the prevention/management of radiation dermatitis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. We also manually searched through individual reference lists of potentially eligible articles and a number of key journals in the topic area. Two authors screened all potential articles and included eligible SRs. Two authors critically appraised and extracted key findings from the included reviews using AMSTAR (the measurement tool for "assessment of multiple systematic reviews").

RESULTS

Of 1837 potential titles, 6 SRs were included. A number of interventions have been reported to be potentially beneficial for managing radiation dermatitis. Interventions evaluated in these reviews included skin care advice, steroidal/nonsteroidal topical agents, systemic therapies, modes of radiation delivery, and dressings. However, all the included SRs reported that there is insufficient evidence supporting any single effective intervention. The methodological quality of the included studies varied, and methodological shortfalls in these reviews might create biases to the overall results or recommendations for clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

An up-to-date high-quality SR in the prevention/management of radiation dermatitis is needed to guide practice and direction for future research. We recommend that clinicians or guideline developers critically evaluate the information of SRs in their decision making.

A systematic review of patient-rated measures of radiodermatitis in breast cancer radiotherapy

During breast cancer radiotherapy, nearly all patients will experience radiodermatitis. Study objectives were as follows: (1) systematically review the literature on radiodermatitis and breast cancer; (2) summarize and describe patient-rated radiodermatitis measures; (3) determine whether consensus exists regarding subjective radiodermatitis measurement; and (4) provide recommendations for future research. PubMed and CINAHL were searched from their inception through August 2009. Study inclusion and exclusion criteria were: full abstract available, manuscript in English, focused on radiodermatitis resulting from breast cancer radiotherapy, and described a patient-rated empirical assessment of radiodermatitis. Three reviewers examined abstracts, and decisions about inclusion were reached by consensus. Twenty-two of 237 mutually identified studies met selection criteria. Using a standardized abstraction form, 3 authors independently extracted relevant information. Results indicated that (1) only 9% of the studies reviewed included a patient-rated measure; (2) generally, extant scales are very brief and focus almost exclusively on physical reactions, and (3) there is no "gold standard" measure of patient-rated radiodermatitis at this time. We conclude that significantly more research is needed to determine the best (most valid, reliable, sensitive, comprehensive) measure(s) to evaluate the experience of radiodermatitis from the patient's perspective, and that further scale development efforts are needed.

Management of skin toxicity during radiation therapy: a review of the evidence

Acute skin toxicity occurs in the majority of the patients undergoing radical radiotherapy. While a variety of topical agents and dressing are used to ameliorate side effects, there is minimal evidence to support their use. The aims of this study were to systematically review evidence on acute skin toxicity management and to assess the current practices in ANZ. A systematic review of the literature was conducted on studies published between 1980 and 2008. A meta-analysis was performed on articles on clinical trials reporting grade II or greater toxicity. Analyses were divided into breast (the most common site) and other sites. A survey of Radiation Oncology departments across ANZ was conducted to identify patterns of practices and compare these with the published evidence. Twenty-nine articles were reviewed. Only seven articles demonstrated statistically significant results for management of side-effects. These were for topical corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, sucralfate, calendula, Cavilon cream (3M, St Paul, Minnesota, USA) and silver leaf dressing. Meta-analysis demonstrated statistical significance for the prophylactic use of topical agents in the management acute toxicity. The survey of departments had a low response rate but demonstrated variation in skin care practices across ANZ. A considerable number of these practices were based only on anecdotal evidence. Lack of evidence in the literature for the care of radiation skin reactions was associated with variation in practice. Only a limited number of studies have demonstrated a significant benefit of specific topical agents. There is a need for objective and prospective recording of skin toxicity to collect meaningful comparative data on which to base recommendations for practice.