Postoperative electron beam radiotherapy for keloids: objective findings and patient satisfaction in self-assessment

Effective keloid management using a combinatorial continuous-wave and repeat fractionated ablative CO2 laser regimen

BACKGROUND

Keloids are benign proliferative scars that form as a result of dysregulated growth and collagen deposition in response to cutaneous injury. Laser therapies have emerged as promising options for the treatment of keloids, with performance varying by laser type and lesion characteristics.

PURPOSE

To assess the combined continuous wave and repetitive fractionated CO2 laser treatment of keloids.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 22 cases of keloid scars treated with combined CO2 laser modes. A single session of continuous wave followed by five sessions of fractional delivery. Efficacy was assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Vancouver Scar Scale. The Numeric Rating Scale was used to assess patient satisfaction and pain.

RESULTS

Most patients were female (77.3%) with skin type IV (72.7%), age was 24.3 ± 9.3 years, most keloids were located on the earlobe (56.5%) or arm or hand (17.4%), size ranged from 5 to 10 cm, and time since injury ranged from 3 months to 35 years. No serious adverse events were reported. At 6 months, significant improvements from baseline occurred in all characteristics, scar color (4.8 ± 2.8 to 1.9 ± 1.1), rigidity (5.0 ± 2.8 vs. 5.4 ± 2.8), thickness (5.4 ± 2.8 vs. 2.0 ± 1.1), and irregularity (5.9 ± 2.4 vs. 1.9 ± 0.9). The Vancouver scores followed a similar trend. Patient-rated overall improvement from 37 ± 17.6 at baseline to 16.1 ± 8.5 at 6 months, and improvement in associated pain and pruritus.

CONCLUSION

Combination of two ablative laser delivery modes within a single laser platform provided for effective and safe keloid management and left patients highly satisfied.

Double enhancement effect of a surface dose with tungsten rubber bolus in photon radiotherapy for keloids and superficial tumors

To clarify the dosimetric characteristics of a real-time variable shape rubber-containing tungsten (STR) bolus in a clinical plan and investigate the efficacy of the STR bolus in photon radiotherapy for keloids and other superficial tumors. A 5 mm gel bolus or 1 mm STR bolus was placed on a solid water phantom. Tangential irradiation was performed using a TomoTherapy Radixact-X9 and 6 MV X-ray flattening-filter-free beam, and the surface dose was measured with radiochromic film. Clinical-like plans (TomoDirect; TD and TomoHelical; TH) were applied with the same geometry and the dose distributions were measured. The increase in surface dose by the build-up effect and backscatter was 37.7% and 8.0% for the gel bolus, and 40.5% and 26.4% for the STR bolus, respectively. In the TD and TH plans, the increase in surface dose was 27.4% and 48.3% for the gel bolus, and 39.0% and 63.2% for the STR bolus. Similary, changes in the sagittal plane dose were - 3.9% and 6.1% for the gel bolus, and - 6.3% and 6.9% for the STR bolus. The STR bolus effectively increased the surface dose by the build-up effect and backscatter in photon radiotherapy for keloids and other superficial tumors.

Treatment of Keloids with Surgery and Immediate Postoperative Radiotherapy: Knowledge Gained Over 17 Years

Background The treatment of keloidal scars with radiotherapy has been practiced for more than a century. Radiotherapy post-surgery has been deemed necessary and effective in preventing recurrence but still, no clear guidelines exist as to the best modality of radiotherapy, the ideal dose, and the time it should be given for keloidal scars. The purpose of this study is to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment and address these issues.

Methods Since 2004, 120 patients presenting with keloidal scars were seen by the author. Out of them, 50 were managed with surgery followed by HDR brachytherapy/electron beam radiotherapy delivering 2000 rads to the scar within 24 hours of surgery. Patients were followed up for at least 18 months to assess the scar status and the recurrence of keloids. Recurrence was defined as the appearance of a nodule or an obvious return of the keloid within 1 year of treatment.

Results Three patients developed a nodule in the scar, which was deemed a recurrence, making an incidence of 6%. There was no major problem after immediate postoperative radiotherapy. Five patients had delayed healing at 2 weeks and a hypertrophic scar was noted in five patients at 4 weeks that settled with conservative measures.

Conclusion Treating the vexing problem of keloids with surgery and immediate postoperative radiotherapy is safe and effective. We recommend that this be adopted as the standard treatment in keloid management.

Current advances in the selection of adjuvant radiotherapy regimens for keloid

Keloid is a common benign skin tumor in the outpatient department, and patients are often accompanied by itching and pain. Since the pathogenesis is unknown, the effect of single method treatment is unsatisfactory, and therefore the recurrence rate is high. Therefore, comprehensive treatment is mostly used in clinical treatment. Adjuvant radiotherapy is currently one of the most effective treatments for keloid. After long-term clinical practice, brachytherapy and electron beam radiotherapy has increasingly become the gold standard of treatment, because brachytherapy provides more focused radiation treatment to focal tissue to significantly reduce recurrence rate, and better preserve normal tissue. With the development of new radiotherapy techniques, more options for the treatment of keloid. Currently, adjuvant radiotherapy has been widely recognized, but there is no consensus on the optimal protocol for adjuvant radiotherapy for keloids. This review provides a review of published treatment options and new radiotherapy techniques for adjuvant radiotherapy of keloids and gives a comprehensive evaluation for clinical treatment.

Radiation-induced FAP + fibroblasts are involved in keloid recurrence after radiotherapy

Background: Keloid scars (KSs), which are composed of abnormal hyperplastic scar tissue, form during skin wound healing due to excessive fibroblast activation and collagen secretion. Although surgical resection and radiation therapy are used to prevent recurrence, KS recurrence rates range from 15 to 23%, and the underlying mechanism is unclear.

Methods: To elucidate the mechanism of keloid recurrence, we established a PDX model and the grafts remained for over 20 weeks after transplantation on the bilateral backs of the NCG mice.

Results: RNA-seq revealed that KS tissue gene expression was highly consistent before and after transplantation. Then, one side of the KS graft was irradiated with electron beam therapy (10 Gy), significant increases in vimentin and fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) expression were observed after irradiation and were accompanied by severe microvascular destruction. Surprisingly, 4 weeks after irradiation, significantly increased recurrence was observed with increased FAP + tissue and cell cycle regulator expression, resulting in a remarkable altered graft volume. Moreover, irradiation-induced FAP upregulation markedly facilitated radiation resistance and increased cell cycle progression, decreased senescence, and increased energy production.

Conclusion: Our findings revealed that irradiation causes increased abundance of FAP + cells, which was associated with cell proliferation and delayed cellular senescence, accompanied by ATP production.

Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Keloids

Radiotherapy is one of the therapeutic methods for keloids, and the irradiation technique has innovated from superficial X-ray to brachytherapy after decades of clinical practice. At present, the application of adjuvant radiotherapy has been widely accepted by clinicians, while the consensus of optimal adjuvant radiotherapy strategies for keloids has not been reached. Factors such as radiation timing, dose, fractions, and lesion locations may be associated with the clinical outcomes of patients with keloids after radiotherapy while a comprehensive review is lacking. Herein, this review summarized the published literature of adjuvant radiotherapy for keloids involving mechanism, timing, dose, fractions, and complications, etc., which may facilitate clinical decision making.Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Efficacy of Surgical Excision and Adjuvant High-dose Rate Brachytherapy in Treatment of Keloid: Our Experience

Background

Keloids are dermal tumors that are due to increased production of collagen caused by abnormal and prolonged wound healing. The incidence of recurrence is extremely high if only conservative measures are used. This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy surgery and high dose rate brachytherapy as an adjuvant therapy for treatment of keloids.

Materials and Methods

50 patients with clinically diagnosed 71 keloids were treated with excision of keloid and post-operative high-dose rate brachytherapy were studied. Complete excision of the keloid till the healthy skin margin was excised. The wound were closed in 2 layers. Subcutaneous tissue closed using absorbable suture, over which a 6F flexible polyethylene tube was placed. High dose rate cobalt-60 brachytherapy was administered. Total of 15 Gy in divided dose, 5 Gy in 3 fractions were administered.

Results

50 patients with 71 keloids were studied. Out of the 50 patients, 12 were male (24%) and 38 were females (76%). Age of the patients ranged between 14 and 71 years. Recurrence rate was 2% with 2 keloids recurring at 5 months interval. 4 patients scored the results as unacceptable, remaining 45 patients rated their results as excellent during their follow up at 10 days, 3 months and 6 months.

Conclusion

Treatment of keloids in the plastic surgeon's practice even today is still challenging. Many therapies have been described, but recurrence rate is high with mono-therapy. Combination therapy especially surgical excision with postoperative radiotherapy is best in preventing recurrence.

Treatment of Keloids Using Plasma Skin Regeneration Combined with Radiation Therapy Under the Evaluation of Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale

Purpose

Keloids are caused by uncontrolled excessive proliferation of fibrous tissue. Multiple treatment strategies including steroid injection, surgical excision, laser therapy and radiation therapy have been reported. Few studies have evaluated the performance of plasma skin regeneration (PSR) in the treatment of keloid. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PSR combined with radiation therapy for keloids on different body parts.

Patients and Methods

A total of 71 patients with 98 keloids were enrolled in this study. Keloids <4 mm thick underwent single-dose PSR, while keloids ≥4 mm thick were administered compound betamethasone injection beforehand. Radiation therapy was administered after 24 hours and again 7 days later after PSR. The outcome was evaluated using the patient and observer scar assessment scale at 12 months post-treatment.

Results

Patient-reported average scores for all keloids significantly decreased from 35.05±9.94 to 21.84±7.04 (p < 0.05). Keloids on face and neck, chest, and back responded better than those on shoulders and limbs. The recurrence rate was observed to be 15.3% (15 out of 98). Adverse effects were mild.

Conclusion

PSR combined with radiation therapy is an effective and safe strategy to treat keloids. Location could be a factor that affects curative effects.

Adjuvant Radiotherapy after Surgical Excision in Keloids

Keloids are a benign fibroproliferative disease with a high tendency of recurrence. Keloids cause functional impairment, disfigurement, pruritus, and low quality of life. Many therapeutic options have been used for keloids. However, the high recurrence rates have led to the use of adjuvant therapy after surgical keloid excision. There are different radiotherapy regimens available, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are still unclear. The aim of this review is to explain the appropriate radiotherapy regimen for keloids as well as discuss the recent reports on keloid management with radiotherapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy after surgical excision for keloids yields excellent local control with tolerable side effects. Hypofractionated radiotherapy with a BED of more than 28 Gy (α/β value of 10) after excision is recommended in the light of its biologic background.

A retrospective study of hypofractionated radiotherapy for keloids in 100 cases

At present, the consensus on the best treatment for keloids is the combination of clinical and surgical therapies, if necessary, associated with adjuvant radiotherapy like brachytherapy. Whereas, the uniform scheme of radiotherapy in keloids is unclear. Here, we conducting a retrospective analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of a specific treatment regimen (20 Gy in 5 fractions) in keloid patients. We retrospectively analysed the medical records of keloid patients receiving auxiliary postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) treatment from 2009 to 2019. The patients were treated with the hypofractionation method of 20 Gy in 5 fractions. We compared the local control rate and complications, using the chi-square test and logistic regression analyses. After screening, we identified 100 keloid patients in this study, with a median follow-up of 59 months. In this study, the overall local control rate of keloid lesions was 84.8%. After multivariate analyses (primary keloid or not, family history, interval from surgery to irradiation and site), our research showed that primary keloid, site and interval from surgery to irradiation were significantly related to recurrence. Acute radiation injury and late radiation injury accounted for 3% (erythema) and 1% (skin sclerosis) of the total cases, respectively. Our results indicate that a postoperative hypofractionation with radiation dose of 20 Gy in 5 fractions may be effective, easy to accept and safe for keloid patients.

A massive mandibular keloid with severe infection: What is your treatment?

A case report of massive mandibular keloid with severe infection induced by acne achieved resolution of skin lesions after combined treatment with surgery and high concentration single-dose 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (5-ALA PDT). The patient achieved satisfactory effects, after receiving combined treatment with radiotherapy, secondary healing, intralesional injection of glucocorticoids, and other treatments. The scar didn't exhibit growth in a follow-up check after a year. This case provides evidence that photodynamic therapy is effective in the treatment of massive mandibular keloid with severe infection.

The Efficacy of Surgical Excision Plus Adjuvant Multimodal Therapies in the Treatment of Keloids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Research evaluating the efficacy of multimodal therapy for the treatment of keloids has reported combination regimens are most effective.

OBJECTIVE

To compare recurrence rates for keloids treated with surgery plus one adjuvant intervention (dual therapy) versus surgery plus 2 or more adjuvant interventions (triple therapy).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of combination treatment for keloids.

RESULTS

After full-text review, we included 60 articles representing 5,547 keloids: 5,243 received dual therapy, 259 received triple therapy, and 45 received quadruple therapy (the latter 2 groups were combined for analysis). The difference in recurrence rates between dual (19%) and triple therapy (11.2%) was not significant (p = .343). However, the difference in recurrence rates between dual therapy using surgery and radiation (18.7%) and triple therapy using surgery, radiation, and a third intervention (7.7%) was significant (p = .002). The differences for surgery and intralesional triamcinolone (TAC) showed trends toward significance, because keloids treated with dual therapy (21.7%) had a higher recurrence rate than those treated with triple therapy comprised of surgery, TAC, and another intervention (13.7%; p = .099).

CONCLUSION

Triple therapy using surgery plus radiation and/or TAC as one of the adjuvant treatment modalities may achieve the lowest recurrence rates for keloids.

Tomotherapy as an Alternative Irradiative Treatment for Complicated Keloids

The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment of complicated keloids with helical tomotherapy (HT) and electron beam radiotherapy. From July 2018 to September 2018, 11 patients with 23 keloid lesions treated with HT were enrolled. Additionally, 11 patients with 20 lesions treated with electron beam radiotherapy in the same period were enrolled. Patients in both groups were treated within 24 h after surgical excision of the keloid lesion with 13.5 Gy in three consecutive daily fractions. The median follow-up period was 15 months. The local control rate was 91.3% and 80% in the HT group and the electron beam group, respectively. No acute adverse effects were observed in either group, but most patients exhibited pigmentation. No radiation-induced cancer occurred in these patients up to the time of this report. Pain and pruritus improved for all patients and more obviously for three patients with complicated keloids treated with HT. The measured surface dose was 103.7–112.5% and 92.8–97.6% of the prescribed dose in the HT group and the electron beam group, respectively. HT can be considered an alternative in cases where it is not feasible to use multiple electron fields, due to encouraging clinical outcomes.

Contemporary treatment of keloids: A 10-year institutional experience with medical management, surgical excision, and radiation therapy

INTRODUCTION

We evaluate a single center's, decade-long experience utilizing 3 approaches to keloid treatment: corticosteroid medical management (MM), surgical excision (SE), and surgical excision + radiation therapy (SE + RT).

STUDY DESIGN

Patients undergoing keloid treatment were identified (2008-2017). Outcomes were symptomatology/cosmesis for MM, and recurrence and complications for SE and SE + RT. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with recurrence and complications.

RESULTS

284 keloids (95 MM, 94 SE, 95 S E + RT) corresponded to patients with a median age of 39.1 (IQR: 26.1-53), 68.1% Black, and followed-up for 15.4 months (IQR: 5.6-30.7). For MM, 84.6% and 72.5% reported improvement in cosmesis and symptoms, respectively. SE and SE + RT recurrence were 37.2 and 37.9%, respectively. In adjusted analyses, higher radiation doses were associated with decreased recurrence whereas male gender (OR 3.3) and postoperative steroids (OR 9.5) were associated with increased recurrence (p < 0.01). There were more complications in the SE + RT group.

CONCLUSIONS

MM resulted in at least some improvement. Recurrence rates after SE and SE + RT were similar. Female sex is protective, race does not affect outcomes.

Combining micro-plasma radio-frequency with hypofractionated electron-beam radiation as a novel treatment of keloids: A case series

RATIONALE

Micro-plasma radio-frequency (MPR) technology has been demonstrated a safe and effective treatment for kinds of scars, but there is no report about the application of the MPR on keloids. In this investigation, we creatively use MPR technology combining with hypofractionated electron-beam radiation to cure keloids.

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES

From February 2013 to December 2016, 22 Asian patients (16 male, 6 female, age 19-46 years, mean age 28.14 ± 7.31 years) with keloids over half a year were enrolled in this study.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

All patients received a single MPR technology treatment by roller tip at 80-100 watt, and then hypofractionated electron-beam radiation of 6 MeV were performed twice, within 24 hours and one week after the operation with 9 Gy per time. Improvement were determined by the Vancouver Scar Scales (VSS) according to digital photographs. The results show that the volume of keloids reduced significantly among most patients. Only 3 patients encountered with mild to moderate hyperpigmentation, and none of malignance and worsening or recurrence of scars was observed.

LESSONS

MPR technology combined with post-operative hypofractionated electron-beam radiation therapy is an effective method for patients with multiple keloids distributed widely on the body with minimal complications, especially for patients with widely distributed keloids.

Keloid treatment: what about adjuvant radiotherapy?

Background: Keloids are debilitating fibrous skin proliferations with a high recurrence rate after surgical treatment. Postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) is a well-tolerated adjuvant treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence, but the optimal regimen for this combined treatment remains unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of combining surgical excision and immediate PORT.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with keloid lesions treated with adjuvant PORT in the period 2005–2014 at Geneva University Hospitals. Main outcomes were the rates of complications and recurrence in patients with a minimal follow-up of 1 year, including the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale satisfaction scores.

Results: 10 patients with 16 keloids were eligible (mean follow-up, 37 months). Only one recurrence was reported (6%). In 12.5% of cases, mild erythema appeared in the early postoperative period. No major complications were observed. The overall patient and observer satisfaction rate was excellent.

Conclusion: Surgical excision combined with immediate PORT is an effective and easy treatment with good esthetic results and an acceptable recurrence rate. It should be considered for patients with persistent keloid formation after failure of other treatments and those at high risk of relapse.

Surgical excision and postoperative radiotherapy for keloids

Keloids can be treated in a number of ways, including by surgery. Multiple studies now show that while surgical monotherapy associates with extremely high rates of recurrence (50%-80%), postoperative radiotherapy can significantly reduce these recurrence rates. Ongoing improvements in radiation technology have further increased the safety and efficacy of this combination protocol. Of the various radiotherapies that have been used in this setting, electron beam (β-ray) irradiation is currently the best due to its excellent dose distribution and safety. The maximal biologically effective dose (BED) for keloids is 30 Gy (using an estimated α / β ratio of 10); increasing the dose has no further benefits and elevates side effects. Over the last two decades, we have modified and then fine-tuned our radiotherapy protocol for keloid excision wounds. Thus, our early protocol was used for all body sites and consisted of 15 Gy/3 fr/3 days. We then customised the radiotherapy protocol so that body sites that are highly prone to recurrence (e.g. the anterior chest) receive higher doses while low recurrence sites like the earlobe receive a much smaller dose. More recently, we tweaked this body site-customised protocol so that fewer fractions are employed. Therefore, we currently apply 18 Gy/3 fr/3 days to high-recurrence sites, 8 Gy/1 fr/1 day to earlobes and 15 Gy/2 fr/2 days to other body sites. These radiotherapy protocol changes were accompanied by the evolution of body site-customised surgical approaches. As a result of these developments, our overall keloid recurrence rate is now below 10%.

Radiation Therapy in Keloids Treatment: History, Strategy, Effectiveness, and Complication

Objective:

Radiation therapy combined with surgical excision was considered as one of the most effective treatment plans for keloid lesions. However, there was no unanimity found over present literatures regarding the issue on optimized treatment strategy for keloids. We here provide a comprehensive review over this issue and emphasize on the influencing factors.

Data Sources:

The data analyzed in this review were searched from articles included in PubMed and EMBASE databases.

Study Selection:

The original articles and critical reviews discussing the application of radiation therapy in keloids treatment were selected for this review.

Results:

The application of radiation therapy has transitioned from simple superficial X-ray irradiation to brachytherapy. Furthermore, several factors including radiation type, dose, fraction, interval, and complications were reviewed, and the results revealed that these factors were significant toward clinical outcome at various levels.

Conclusions:

Both past and present evidence support the idea that combination therapy of radiation and surgical therapy is safe and feasible. However, the optimization of treatment strategy was based on different radiation types and should take dose, fractions, interval, and complications into consideration, which will then decrease the rate of recurrence and increase the level of satisfaction.

Treatment of Keloids With Excision and Adjuvant Radiation: A Single Center Experience and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Management of keloids has remained a conundrum, because an optimum treatment regimen has yet to be elucidated. Currently, treatment varies widely between more conservative measures, such as steroid injections, topical medications, and silicone sheeting, to more aggressive options, such as surgery and postoperative radiation. The latter combination has been touted to have superior results, with the lowest rates of pathologic scar recurrence.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review to critically evaluate the effectiveness of surgical excision and radiation treatment in patients with keloids. Surgical resection of surgeon-selected keloids, combined with state-of-the-art postoperative cutaneous radiation therapy, was used at a major tertiary referral center. For patients with poor follow-up, phone calls were made to determine recurrence. In addition, we present a review of the current literature to provide a comprehensive synopsis of current keloid treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 69 patients' records were reviewed. There were a total of 84 keloids upon pathology review. The overall recurrence rate for all keloids was 27%, and in those followed greater than 1 year, recurrence for keloids was 74%. About half the patients with more than 1 year of follow-up experienced recurrence more than 1 year after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

At this time, the evidence supporting surgery and radiation for the treatment of keloids remains equivocal, and randomized controlled studies are needed to determine the efficacy of this treatment protocol. Most importantly, our data reinforce the need for long-term follow-up in this patient population.

Surgical Excision and Adjuvant Brachytherapy vs External Beam Radiation for the Effective Treatment of Keloids: 10-Year Institutional Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Surgically excised keloids reportedly recur at a rate of >45%. Post-excision radiation (RT) has been delivered via external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or interstitial high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Despite historical data showing 10% to 20% keloid recurrences with post-excision RT, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence comparing keloid recurrences between the two RT modalities.

OBJECTIVES

We performed the largest single-institution case-control retrospective study (2004-2014) of keloid recurrence rates and complications between post-excision EBRT and HDR brachytherapy.

METHODS

One-hundred and twenty-eight patients, with 264 keloid lesions, were treated by excision alone (n = 28), post-excision EBRT (n = 197), or post-excision HDR brachytherapy (n = 39). Patient and keloid recurrence data were analyzed using mixed effect Cox regression modeling with a statistical threshold of P < .05.

RESULTS

Fifty-four percent of keloids recurred after surgical excision alone (9-month median follow up); 19% of keloids recurred with post-excision EBRT (42-month median follow up); 23% of keloids recurred with post-excision brachytherapy (12-month median follow up). Adjuvant EBRT and brachytherapy each showed significant control of keloid recurrence compared to excision alone (P < .01). EBRT significantly delayed the time of keloid recurrence over brachytherapy by a mean difference of 2.5 years (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-excision RT shows significant reduction in keloid recurrence compared to excision alone. While the recurrence control rates are not statistically different between EBRT and brachytherapy, keloids treated with EBRT recurred significantly later than those treated by HDR brachytherapy by a mean of 2.5 years. Further workup with a randomized control study will help to refine optimal adjuvant RT treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.

Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars: A Spectrum of Clinical Challenges

Since their earliest description, keloids and hypertrophic scars have beleaguered patients and clinicians alike. These scars can be aesthetically disfiguring, functionally debilitating, emotionally distressing, and psychologically damaging, culminating in a significant burden for patients. Our current understanding of keloid pathophysiology has grown and continues to advance while molecular biology, genetics, and technology provide ever-deepening insight into the nature of wound healing and the pathologic perturbations thereof. Greater understanding will lead to the development and application of refined therapeutic modalities. This article provides an overview of our current understanding of keloids, highlighting clinical characteristics and diagnostic criteria while providing a comprehensive summary of the many therapeutic modalities available. The proposed mechanism, application, adverse events, and reported efficacy of each modality is evaluated, and current recommendations are summarized.

Hypofractionated electron-beam radiation therapy for keloids: retrospective study of 568 cases with 834 lesions

We aimed to analyze the outcomes of hypofractionated high-energy electron beam radiotherapy for the treatment of keloids. From February 1998 to January 2012, 568 patients with a total of 834 keloids underwent radiotherapy: 826 lesions with postoperative radiotherapy, and 36 with skin-grafting. Lesion size was >5 cm in 335 keloids. An electron-beam of 6 or 7 MeV was used, with a total dose of 18 Gy (two fractions with a 1-week interval) covering the lesion with a 1-cm margin. The time between surgery and radiotherapy was 24-48 h. Skin-grafted patients underwent radiotherapy 10-15 days after the operation. The median follow-up was 40 months (range: 12-160 months). The local control rate was 88.25% (736/834). The relapse rate was 9.59% (80/834), and the time to relapse was 6-28 months (median: 12 months). Univariate analyses showed that gender, age, keloid size, keloid site, skin grafting, and operation-to-irradiation interval influenced the local control rate. Multivariate analysis showed that the relapse rate was correlated with gender (P = 0.048), age (P < 0.01), operation-to-irradiation interval (P < 0.01), keloid site (P < 0.01), surgical method (P = 0.04) and keloid size (P < 0.02). Adverse effects were observed in 9.83% (82/834). No radiation-induced cancers were observed. Hypofractionated high-energy electron beam radiotherapy for keloids yielded excellent outcomes, especially in cases without skin grafting. Early postoperative radiotherapy with limited hypofractionation could be a good choice for keloid treatment.

Postoperative electron beam radiotherapy for keloids: treatment outcome and factors associated with occurrence and recurrence

Background

In the treatment of keloids, the recurrence after surgical excision is relatively high. Various types of adjuvant therapy such as radiotherapy and corticosteroid injection have been used to reduce the recurrence.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate time for initiating postoperative radiotherapy and to analyze factors associated with the occurrence and recurrence of keloids.

Methods

Of these 37 lesions, 22 were located in the ear lobe, 6 in the helix of the auricle, 4 on the shoulder, 3 on the chest wall, and 2 on the abdomen. Causative factors were piercings (n=24), trauma (n=5), previous surgical lesions or bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination lesions (n=3) and acne (n=2). Radiation therapy was initiated within 24 h in 24 lesions, between 24 and 72 h in 6 lesions, and after more than 72 h in 7 lesions.

Results

Seven lesions recurred, including 5 recurrences in high stretch-tension regions (p=0.010). Initial treatments were administered within 24 h in 1 lesion and more than 72 h after surgical excision in 6 lesions (p<0.0001). In the 19 patients with family histories, maternal and paternal genetic predispositions were present in 14 and 5 patients, respectively (p=0.033).

Conclusion

Radiotherapy should be initiated within 72 h of surgical excision. Location in a high stretch-tension region was significantly associated with recurrence. Patients with a family history showed a significant tendency toward maternal genetic predisposition. Therefore, combination therapy should be considered to reduce the occurrence and recurrence of keloids, and careful observation is required.

High-dose-rate brachytherapy for the treatment of recalcitrant keloids: a unique, effective treatment protocol

BACKGROUND

Keloids cause aesthetic disfigurement and physical complaints, mainly pain and pruritus. Treatment of these scars is difficult, with high recurrence rates forming the main issue. Surgical excision with adjuvant radiotherapy is considered the most efficacious treatment. At their institution, the authors have been treating keloids with a high-dose-rate brachytherapy procedure for over 10 years, using a protocol with the lowest total radiation dosage known in the literature.

METHODS

This prospective study included 43 patients of all Fitzpatrick skin types, with 67 keloids in total. After extralesional excision, a radiation scheme of 2 × 6 Gy was administered in two fractions: the first within 4 hours after surgery and the second within 24 hours. Scars were measured and recurrence was judged. Scar appearance was evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale.

RESULTS

The recurrence rate was 3.1 percent at a mean follow-up of 33.6 months. A significant average scar surface decrease of 56.7 percent was measured (p = 0.01). Complaints of pain and pruritus decreased by 82.9 and 87.2 percent, respectively. Patients were satisfied with the treatment in 88.6 percent of the cases and with the cosmetic result in 77.1 percent. Pigmentation problems were seen in 21.4 percent of the patients, mostly in Fitzpatrick type V and VI/African American individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this prospective study show a good cosmetic outcome with a low recurrence rate. The unique radiation schedule proves the efficacy and safety of high-dose-rate brachytherapy and suggests the importance of immediate postoperative irradiation. In addition, only one outpatient treatment is required after surgery, enhancing patient convenience.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Adjuvance in refractory keloids using electron beams with a spoiler: Recent results

AIM

To present clinical results of adjuvant irradiation of excised refractory keloid wounds using a novel bolus-free technique developed within our group to irradiate the skin surface with a linear accelerator.

BACKGROUND

The use of a bolus to increase surface dose over a newly excised keloid presents several problems. Previous solutions are unsatisfactory. Our technique is promising but needs to be evaluated in practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty refractory skin keloids in 19 patients were excised and irradiated in Hospital Plató (Barcelona, Spain) using a 6 MeV electron beam with a 4-mm aluminium spoiler. 15 Gy in fractions of 3 Gy were delivered to the excision site plus a safety margin. All patients were examined during the follow-up (median: 40 months, interval: 12-68 months) and toxicities were recovered.

RESULTS

At the end of the follow-up period, 76% of the cases had not recurred, while the complete response rate amounted to 53%. Residual hypertrophic scars were classified as partial responses. After therapy, itching and pain were observed in 30% of the patients, as well as one telangiectasia and two hyperchromatic scars.

CONCLUSION

Our technique avoids using a bolus while combining the benefits of electron beam therapy in keloids (fewer secondary effects, and fewer and shorter treatments) with a dose deposition adequate for skin surface treatments. Our results are in line with the most successful therapies evaluated in the literature, as secondary effects are acceptable and recurrence rates are low.

A new argon gas-based device for the treatment of keloid scars with the use of intralesional cryotherapy

BACKGROUND

Intralesional (IL) cryotherapy is a new promising technique for the treatment of keloid scars, in which the scar is frozen from inside. Multiple devices are available, mostly based on a simple liquid nitrogen Dewar system, which have a limited freezing capacity. Argon gas-based systems ensure accurate and highly controlled freezing and have shown to be effective within the field of oncologic surgery. However, this technique has never been used for the treatment of keloid scars.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study evaluates an argon gas-based system for the treatment of keloids in a patient population including all Fitzpatrick skin types with a 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with 30 keloid scars were included and treated with a device called Seednet (Galil Medical, Yokneam, Israel). Scar quality and possible scar recurrence were assessed before treatment and post treatment (6 and 12 months) with objective devices determining scar color, scar elasticity, scar volume, and patient's skin type. In addition, scars were evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale.

RESULTS

After 12 months, a significant volume reduction of 62% was obtained, p = 0.05. Moreover, complaints of pain and itching were alleviated and scar quality had improved according to the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Scar pigmentation recovered in 62% of all keloid scars within 12 months. Five out of 30 (17%) scars recurred within 12 months, three of which had previously been treated with liquid nitrogen-based IL cryotherapy. Both recurrent and persistent hypopigmentation were mainly seen in Afro-American patients.

CONCLUSIONS

IL cryotherapy with the use of an argon gas-based system proves to be effective in the treatment of keloid scars, yielding volume reduction and low recurrence rates. Although hypopigmentation recovered in most cases, it is strongly related to non-Caucasian patients. Finally, additional treatment of keloid scars previously unresponsive to IL cryotherapy is predisposed to a high recurrence rate.

TRIAL NUMBER

NCT02063243.

[Adjuvant treatment of keloid scars: electrons or brachytherapy?]

PURPOSE

Evaluation of perioperative treatment of keloid scars with electron beam therapy or iridium 192 low dose rate brachytherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1994 to 2010, 95 patients with 142 keloid scars have been treated by immediate perioperative irradiation and retrospectively reviewed in our institute: 116 scars were treated by electrontherapy and 26 by brachytherapy.

RESULTS

In the electrontherapy group treated locations were: earlobe (n=88, 76%), thorax (n=14, 12%), neck (n=9, 8%), limbs (n=5, 4%). The median size of lesions was 3cm (range [R]: 0.5-18cm). In 95.6% of cases, a dose of 15Gy was delivered in five fractions of 3Gy. The median follow-up was 70 months (R: 7-161 months). The 2-year and 5-year local control were respectively 69% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 59-76%) and 55% (95% CI: 45-64%). In the brachytherapy group treated locations were: neck (n=3, 11%), earlobe (n=8, 32%), abdomen (n=3, 11%), thorax (n=2, 8%), limbs (n=10, 38%). The median size of lesions was 6.6cm (R: 1.7-28cm). The median dose delivered at 5mm from the source was 20Gy (R: 15-20.69). The median follow-up was 113 months (R: 21-219 months). The 2-year and 5-year local control were respectively 84.6% (95% CI: 64-94%) and 73.5% (95% CI: 49-87%). So far, no radiation-induced cancer has occurred. A trend to a better local control with brachytherapy was noted (compared to electrontherapy, 2-year relapse is halved with brachytherapy) though this difference did not reach the significance (P=0.0991), probably due to the reduced number of patients in the brachytherapy group.

CONCLUSION

Brachytherapy seems to provide better local control compared to electrontherapy, and should be proposed as first line treatment. However, electrontherapy is an interesting alternative in case of difficulty to realize brachytherapy. There is probably a dose effect: according to published data, 25 to 30Gy should at least be proposed.

Therapeutic results and safety of postoperative radiotherapy for keloid after repeated Cesarean section in immediate postpartum period

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of postoperative radiotherapy for the treatment of keloid scars administered immediately after Cesarean section.

Materials and Methods

A total of 26 postpartum patients with confirmed keloids resulting from previous Cesarean sections received either 12 or 15 Gy radiotherapy. The radiotherapy was divided into three 6 MeV electron beam fractions administered during the postpartum period immediately following the final Cesarean section. To evaluate ovarian safety, designated doses of radiation were estimated at the calculated depth of the ovaries using a solid plate phantom and an ionization chamber with the same lead cutout as was used for the treatment of Cesarean section operative scars and a tissue equivalent bolus.

Results

In total, the control rate was 77% (20 patients), while six (23%) developed focally elevated keloids (ranging from 0.5 to 2 cm in length) in the middle of the primary abdominal scar. Five patients experienced mild hyperpigmentation. Nonetheless, most patients (96%) were satisfied with the treatment results. The estimated percentage of the applied radiation doses that reached the calculated depth of the ovaries ranged from 0.0033% to 0.0062%.

Conclusion

When administered during the immediate postpartum period, postoperative electron beam radiotherapy for repeated Cesarean section scars is generally safe and produces good cosmetic results with minimal toxicity.

A radiobiological analysis of multicenter data for postoperative keloid radiotherapy

PURPOSE

To identify factors significantly affecting recurrence rates after postoperative external beam radiotherapy (XRT) of keloids, and to delineate any radiation dose response and effects of radiation dose per fraction.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A comprehensive literature review was performed to compile a database of 2,515 resected keloids (36.9% earlobe). Postoperative XRT was 45- to 100-kV X-rays in 27.0% or 120- to 250-kV X-rays in 11.1%, Co-60 in 1.9%, Sr-90 in 4.7%, 1.5- to 9-MeV electrons in 26.5%, and no XRT in 28.8%. In the 1,791 irradiated patients, the median radiation parameters were as follows: total dose, 15 Gy (range, 6-30 Gy); dose per fraction, 5.0 Gy (range, 2-15 Gy); fractions, 3 (range, 1-10); and time, 7 days (range, 0-33 days).

RESULTS

Multivariate stepwise logistic regression correlated decreased keloid recurrence with earlobe location (p = 1.98E-10; odds ratio, 0.34), biologically effective dose (p = 1.01E-27), and treatment with electron beam or Co-60 vs. other techniques (p = 0.0014; odds ratio, 0.72). Different radiobiological models calculated values of α/β = 1.12 to 2.86 (mean, 2.08) and time (repopulation) correction factors for biologically effective dose from 0.98 to 2.13 Gy per day (mean, 1.34) starting 10 days after surgery. Different models (with α/β = 2.08) predicted that doses needed for 90% and 95% control with 3 fractions of postoperative electron beam were 16.0 to 16.2 Gy and 18.3 to 19.2 Gy, respectively, in less than 10 days for earlobe keloids and 21.5 to 22.2 Gy and 23.4 to 24.8 Gy, respectively, in less than 10 days for other sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative keloid radiotherapy requires moderately high doses and optimal technique to be effective. The relatively low α/β ratio indicates that radiotherapy with a limited number of fractions and high doses per fraction is the best strategy.

Dose-effect relationships for recurrence of keloid and pterygium after surgery and radiotherapy

PURPOSE

To show radiation dose-response relationships for recurrence of keloid and pterygium after radiotherapy following surgery.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Using PubMed, we performed a retrospective review of articles reporting incidences and/or dose-response relationships for recurrence of keloid and pterygium after radiotherapy following surgery. The irradiation regimens identified were normalized by use of the linear-quadratic model; biologically effective doses (BEDs) were calculated.

RESULTS

For keloid recurrence after radiotherapy following keloid removal, with either teletherapy or brachytherapy, the recurrence rate after having delivered a BED greater than 30 Gy is less than 10%. For pterygium recurrence after bare sclera surgery and (90)Sr beta-irradiation, a BED of about 30 Gy seems to be sufficient also to reduce the recurrence rate to less than 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the doses in the radiotherapy schemes used for prevention of keloid recurrence after surgery are too low. In contrast, the doses applied in most regimens to prevent pterygium recurrence are too high. A scheme with a BED of 30 to 40 Gy seems to be sufficient to prevent recurrences of keloid as well as pterygium.