Risk assessment, surveillance, and nonpharmaceutical prevention of acute radiation dermatitis: results of a multicentric survey among the German-speaking radiation oncology community

Abstract

Purpose Radiation dermatitis (RD) represents one of the most frequent side effects in radiotherapy (RT). Despite technical progress, mild and moderate RD still affects major subsets of patients and identification and management of patients with a high risk of severe RD is essential. We sought to characterize surveillance and nonpharmaceutical preventive management of RD in German-speaking hospitals and private centers. Methods We conducted a survey on RD among German-speaking radiation oncologists inquiring for their evaluation of risk factors, assessment methods, and nonpharmaceutical preventive management of RD. Results A total of 244 health professionals from public and private institutions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland participated in the survey. RT-dependent factors were deemed most relevant for RD onset followed by lifestyle factors, emphasizing the impact of treatment conceptualization and patient education. While a broad majority of 92.8% assess RD at least once during RT, 59.0% of participants report RD at least partially arbitrarily and 17.4% stated to classify RD severity solely arbitrarily. 83.7% of all participants were unaware of patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Consensus exists on some lifestyle recommendations like avoidance of sun exposure (98.7%), hot baths (95.1%), and mechanical irritation (91.8%) under RT, while deodorant use (63.4% not at all, 22.1% with restrictions) or application of skin lotion (15.1% disapproval) remain controversial and are not recommended by guidelines or evidence-based practices. Conclusion Identification of patients at an increased risk of RD and subsequent implementation of adequate preventive measures remain relevant and challenging aspects of clinical routines. Consensus exists on several risk factors and nonpharmaceutical prevention recommendations, while RT-dependent risk factors, e.g., the fractionation scheme, or hygienic measures like deodorant use remain controversial. Surveillance is widely lacking methodology and objectivity. Intensifying outreach in the radiation oncology community is needed to improve practice patterns.

Seasonal Impact on Grade ≥2 Dermatitis in Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Supplementary Analysis

“…Higher temperatures may be associated with an increased risk of dermatitis due to thermal effects. Despite a lack of randomized trials on this issue, the majority of radiation oncologists recommend avoiding exposure to heat, including sunbathing and taking hot baths (4).…”

Ergänzende Maßnahmen in der Strahlentherapie: Nebenwirkungen und Spätfolgen vorbeugen und behandeln

“…zkm Praxis Strahlentherapie ergänzen dung von Deodorant und Hautlotionen während der Strahlentherapie ist jedoch nach wie vor umstritten [24].…”

Randomized Pilot Study of a Keratin-based Topical Cream for Radiation Dermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients

“… 2 Due in large part to a lack of standardized guidance, there is significant variability in the treatment options used in clinical practice, and there is no consensus standard of care (SOC). 8 Skin care recommendations typically include the use of topical emollients, non-fragrant moisturizers, gentle cleansing, or topical corticosteroids; however, these vary widely among practices. 2 A recent review of six published practice guidelines for the treatment of RD (including the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA), Cancer Care Manitoba (CCMB), Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR), and International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC)), recommended 59 specifically different treatment options for RD.…”