The role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of radiation lesions

Introduction Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with 50–60% of patients requiring radiotherapy during the course of treatment. Patients’ survival rate has increased significantly, with an inevitable increase in the number of patients experiencing side effects from cancer therapy. One such effect is late radiation injuries in which hyperbaric oxygen therapy appears as complementary treatment. With this work we intend to divulge the results of applying hyperbaric oxygen therapy among patients presenting radiation lesions in our Hyperbaric Medicine Unit.Materials and methods Retrospective analysis of clinical records of patients with radiation lesions treated at the Hyperbaric Medicine Unit assessed by the scale Late Effects of Normal Tissues—Subjective, Objective, Management, Analytical (LENT-SOMA) before and after treatment, between October 2014 and September 2019 were included. Demographic characteristics, primary tumor site, subjective assessment of the LENT-SOMA scale before and after treatment were collected and a comparative analysis (Students t test) was done. Results 88 patients included: 33 with radiation cystitis, 20 with radiation proctitis, 13 with osteoradionecrosis of the mandible and 22 with radiation enteritis. In all groups, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.005) in the subjective parameter of the LENT-SOMA scale. Discussion Late radiation lesions have a major influence on patients’ quality of life. In our study hyperbaric oxygen therapy presents as an effective therapy after the failure of conventional treatments. Conclusion Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective complementary therapy in the treatment of refractory radiation lesions. (AU)

Radiotherapy-related toxicity for localized prostate cancer: meta-analysis comparing conventional or moderately hypofractionated vs. ultrahypofractionated protocols

BackgroundTo compare toxicities in relation to standard radiation treatments [conventional fractionation RT (CRT) and moderate hypofractionated RT (MRT)] with ultrahypofractionated RT (URT) in the treatment of patients with localized PCa.MethodsA searched was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and LILACS to January 2020 for studies comparing URT to CRT and/or MRT in relation to genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity in the treatment of patients with localized PCa. URT, MRT and CRT were defined as protocols delivering a daily dose of ≥5 Gy, 2.4–4.9 Gy, and <2.4 Gy per fractions regardless total dose, respectively.ResultsEight studies with 2929 patients with localized PCa were included in the analysis. These eight studies did not find any difference between URT and MRT/CRT groups in relation to acute GU toxicity (21.0% × 23.8%, RD −0.04; 95% CI −0.13, 0.06; p = 0.46; I2 = 89%) and acute GI toxicity (4.9% × 6.9%, RD −0.03; 95% CI −0.07, 0.01; p = 0.21; I2 = 79%). Six studies did not find any difference between URT and MRT/CRT groups in relation to late GU toxicity (3.9% × 4.7%, RD −0.01; 95% CI −0.03, 0.00; p = 0.16; I2 = 19%) and late GI toxicity (2.1% × 3.5%, RD −0.01; 95% CI −0.03, 0.00; p = 0.05; I2 = 22%).ConclusionThe present study suggests that acute GU/GI and late GU/GI toxicity are similar between URT and standard protocols. More studies with longer follow-ups directed to oncology outcomes are warranted before any recommendation on this topic.

Quantitative assessments of late radiation-induced skin and soft tissue toxicity and correlation with RTOG scales and biological equivalent dose in breast cancer

PurposeRadiation-induced toxicity (RIT) is usually assessed by inspection and palpation. Due to their subjective and unquantitative nature, objective methods are required. This study aimed to determine whether a quantitative tool is able to assess RIT and establish an underlying BED-response relationship in breast cancer.MethodsPatients following seven different breast radiation protocols were recruited to this study for RIT assessment with qualitative and quantitative examination. The biologically equivalent dose (BED) was used to directly compare different radiation regimens. RIT was subjectively evaluated by physicians using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) late toxicity scores. Simultaneously an objective multiprobe device was also used to quantitatively assess late RIT in terms of erythema, hyperpigmentation, elasticity and skin hydration.ResultsIn 194 patients, in terms of the objective measurements, treated breasts showed higher erythema and hyperpigmentation and lower elasticity and hydration than untreated breasts (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.019, respectively). As the BED increased, Δerythema and Δpigmentation gradually increased as well (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002, respectively). Regarding the clinical assessment, the increase in BED resulted in a higher RTOG toxicity grade (p < 0.001). Quantitative assessments were consistent with RTOG scores. As the RTOG toxicity grade increased, the erythema and pigmentation values increased, and the elasticity index decreased (p < 0.001, p = 0.016, p = 0.005, respectively).ConclusionsThe multiprobe device can be a sensitive and simple tool for research purpose and quantitatively assessing RIT in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. Physician-assessed toxicity scores and objective measurements revealed that the BED was positively associated with the severity of RIT.

Intraoperative irradiation in breast cancer: preliminary results in 80 patients as partial breast irradiation or anticipated boost prior to hypo-fractionated whole breast irradiation

PurposeTo present the first results of intraoperative irradiation (IORT) in breast cancer with a low-energy photon system used as partial breast irradiation (PBI) or as an anticipated boost before whole breast hypo-fractionated irradiation (IORT + WBI), concerning tolerance, side effects, quality of life, and patient-reported outcomes.Materials and methodsEighty patients treated with an Intrabeam® system of 50 kV X-rays received a 20 Gy dose intraoperatively were included. Moderate daily hypofractionation of 2.7 Gy in 15 fractions up to 40.5 Gy was administered if high-risk factors were present. Acute post-operative toxicity, surgery complications, chronic toxicity, patient-reported cosmesis and Breast-Q questionnaire were performed at follow-up visits.ResultsThirty-one patients were treated as PBI and the remaining 49 as IORT + WBI. Only the IORT + WBI group presented acute toxicity, mainly mild acute dermatitis (11 patients) and one subacute mastitis. A total of 20 patients presented fibrosis (18 patients grade I, 2 patients grade II), 15 (30.5%) patients in the IORT + WBI group and 3 (9.6%) patients in the group of PBI. The cosmesis evaluation in 73 patients resulted poor, fair, good or excellent in 2, 7, 38 and 26 patients, respectively. In PBI group Breast-Q scored higher, especially in terms of their psychosocial well-being (78 vs 65) and satisfaction with radiation-induced toxicity (77 vs 72, respectively) compared to IORT + WBI group.ConclusionIORT is a well-tolerated procedure with low toxicity, good cosmesis and favorable patient-reported outcomes mainly when administered as PBI.

Efficacy, tolerance and predictors of response to the treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with hemorrhagic radiation cystitis

Objectives: The aim was to study the efficacy and tolerance in patients with haemorrhagic radiation-induced cystitis (HRC)treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) and analyze which factors were related to the response to the treatment.Material and methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients treated with HOT for HRC symptoms in a provincial referral centre from 2010 to 2020. We evaluated clinical response to treatment, number of hospitalizations due to HRC andsubjective response using the PGI-I questionnaire.Results: We treated 52 patients, with a median of 30 sessions, during 6 months and 40 months (6-68 months) of follow-up. 69.2%of patients responded completely and 21,2% partially. The 53.2% of patients improved before the first 10 sessions. Reduction ofhospitalizations/per year due to haematuria from 2.8 to 1.1 (p=0,001). The 73,5% of patients stated that they were “very muchbetter” or “much better” after treatment. During the follow-up, 15.4% of patients had recurrence of HRC. 9.6% of the patientsrequired salvage cystectomy. The patients with a highest RTOG-EORTC scale had more risk to still with symptoms (OR 3.01(IC95 1.48 – 6.16). All patients were able to complete the proposed treatment plan with good tolerance to HOT.Conclusions: These results show the clinical benefit of HOT in the treatment of HRC, with a reduction of the number of hospitalizations and a subjective improvement. (AU)

Objetivo: conocer eficacia y tolerancia de la hiperoxigemia en cámara hiperbárica (THO) en pacientes con cistitis rádica hemorrágica (CRH) y analizar factores asociadosa respuesta al tratamiento.Material y métodos: estudio de cohorte retrospectivode pacientes tratados mediante THO por CRH en centro dereferencia entre 2010 y 2020. Evaluamos respuesta clínicade la hematuria, número de ingresos hospitalarios por CRHy satisfacción subjetiva mediante cuestionario PGI-I.Resultados: tratamos 52 pacientes, mediana de 30 sesiones con 6 meses de tratamiento y 40 meses (6-68 meses)de seguimiento. El 69,2% obtuvo respuesta completa y el21,2% respuesta parcial. El 53,2% mejoró antes de las 10primeras sesiones. La reducción de los ingresos hospitalarios/año por hematuria fue de 2,8 a 1,1 (p=0,001). El 73,5%de pacientes señaló encontrarse “Mucho mejor” o “un pocomejor” tras el tratamiento. Durante el seguimiento, el15,4% presentaron recurrencia de hematuria. Del total dela serie, 9,6% de pacientes precisó cistectomía de rescate.El análisis de supervivencia mostró una asociación entre eltiempo de desaparición de la hematuria y la clasificación dela escala RTOG-EORTC (OR 3,01 (IC95 1,48-6,16). Todoslos pacientes pudieron finalizar el plan de tratamiento propuesto con buena tolerancia a la THO.Conclusiones: la THO muestra beneficio clínico enel tratamiento de la CRH, redujo los episodios de hospitalización por hematuria y mejoró la calidad de vida de lospacientes, con buena tolerancia al tratamiento. (AU)

Risk of symptomatic radiation necrosis in patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases / Riesgo de necrosis sintomática por radiación en pacientes tratados con radiocirugía estereotáctica para metástasis cerebrales

Introductio Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a treatment option in the initial management of patients with brain metastases. While its efficacy has been demonstrated in several prior studies, treatment-related complications, particularly symptomatic radiation necrosis (RN), remains as an obstacle for wider implementation of this treatment modality. We thus examined risk factors associated with the development of symptomatic RN in patients treated with SRS for brain metastases. Patients and methods We performed a retrospective review of our institutional database to identify patients with brain metastases treated with SRS. Diagnosis of symptomatic RN was determined by appearance on serial MRIs, MR spectroscopy, requirement of therapy, and the development of new neurological complaints without evidence of disease progression. Results We identified 323 brain metastases treated with SRS in 170 patients from 2009 to 2018. Thirteen patients (4%) experienced symptomatic RN after treatment of 23 (7%) lesions. After SRS, the median time to symptomatic RN was 8.3 months. Patients with symptomatic RN had a larger mean target volume (p<0.0001), and thus larger V100% (p<0.0001), V50% (p<0.0001), V12Gy (p<0.0001), and V10Gy (p=0.0002), compared to the rest of the cohort. Single-fraction treatment (p=0.0025) and diabetes (p=0.019) were also significantly associated with symptomatic RN. Conclusion SRS is an effective treatment option for patients with brain metastases; however, a subset of patients may develop symptomatic RN. We found that patients with larger tumor size, larger plan V100%, V50%, V12Gy, or V10Gy, who received single-fraction SRS, or who had diabetes were all at higher risk of symptomatic RN (AU)

Introducción La radiocirugía estereotáctica (RCE) es una opción de tratamiento en el tratamiento inicial de pacientes con metástasis cerebrales. Aunque su eficacia ha quedado demostrada en varios estudios previos, las complicaciones relacionadas con el tratamiento, en particular la necrosis por radiación (NR) sintomática, siguen siendo un obstáculo para una aplicación más generalizada de esta modalidad de tratamiento. Así pues, examinamos los factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de NR sintomática en pacientes tratados con RCE para metástasis cerebrales. Pacientes y métodos Realizamos una revisión retrospectiva de nuestra base de datos institucional para identificar pacientes con metástasis cerebrales tratados con RCE. El diagnóstico de NR sintomática se determinó por la aparición en resonancias magnéticas en serie, espectroscopia por resonancia magnética, la necesidad de tratamiento y el desarrollo de nuevas quejas neurológicas, sin signos de progresión de la enfermedad. Resultados Identificamos 323 metástasis cerebrales tratadas con RCE en 170 pacientes, entre 2009 y 2018. Trece pacientes (4%) experimentaron NR sintomática después del tratamiento de 23 (7%) lesiones. Después de la RCE, la mediana de tiempo hasta la aparición de NR sintomática fue de 8,3 meses. Los pacientes con NR sintomática tuvieron un volumen objetivo medio mayor (p < 0,0001), y por lo tanto, mayor V100% (p < 0,0001), V50% (p < 0,0001), V12 Gy (p < 0,0001), y V10 Gy (p = 0,0002), en comparación con el resto de la cohorte. El tratamiento de una sola fracción (p = 0,0025) y la diabetes (p = 0,019) también se asociaron significativamente a NR (AU)

Chronic toxicity and long-term outcome in intraoperative electron radiotherapy as boost followed by whole-breast irradiation

Purpose The administration of a dose boost to the tumor bed after breast-conserving surgery has proven to reduce local recurrence. Intra-operative electron radiotherapy (IOERT) offers an alternative method to deliver a boost with several advantages, such as direct visualization of the tumor bed, less inter- and intrafraction motion and a reduction in the number of medical appointments. The objective of our study is to assess chronic toxicity and long-term outcome for our patients after IOERT boost. Material and methods Forty-six patients treated at our institution between July 2013 and June 2020 with IOERT boost during Breast-Conserving Surgery and consecutive whole breast irradiation were prospectively analyzed. A 10–12 Gy boost was prescribed to 42 patients and 4 patients received a 20 Gy boost. An analysis for overall survival, local relapse and distant progression was performed. Acute and chronic toxicity was assessed by CTCAE 4.0. Results The median age was 64.5 years (40–90). The median follow-up was 62 months (4–86). We had no local recurrences but 2 patients (4.3%) presented a distant recurrence. Mean pathological tumor size was 16 mm (6–52). 84.8% (39) of the patients had invasive ductal carcinoma. 52.2% (24) presented histological grade II. 52.2% (24) were Luminal A like, 21.7% (10) Luminal B like, 13% (6) HER2 positive, 13% (6) triple negative. No Grade 3–4 chronic toxicity was observed. Grade 1–2 fibrosis was evidenced in 13% (6) of the patients, 4.3% (2) patients presented fat necrosis, 6.5% (3) presented seroma, 4.3% (2) had localized pain, 2.2% (1) presented localized hematoma and 2.2% (1) presented localized edema. Conclusions IOERT boost in breast cancer treatment during BCS is a safe option with low chronic toxicity. The recurrence rates are comparable to published data and emphasize that IOERT as boost is an effective treatment (AU)

Acute and intermediate toxicity of 3-week radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost using TomoDirect: prospective series of 287 early breast cancer patients

Aims To report toxicity of a hypofractionated scheme of whole-breast (WB) intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) to the tumor bed (TB) using Tomotherapy® with Direct modality. Methods Patients with early breast cancer, undergoing radiotherapy (RT) in 15 daily fractions to WB (prescription dose 40.05 Gy) and SIB to the TB (48 Gy), between 2013 and 2017, was analyzed. Primary endpoint was acute and intermediate toxicity assessed at the end and within 6 months from RT, according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scale. Secondary endpoints included early chronic toxicity at 12-months follow-up, using the Late Effects Normal Tissue Task Subjective, Objective, Management, and Analytic (LENT-SOMA) scale, and cosmesis using Harvard criteria. Results The study population was of 287 patients. Acute and intermediate toxicity was collected among 183 patients with data available at the end of RT and within 6 months, 85 (46%) experienced G2 toxicity and 84 (46%) G1 toxicity, while 14 (8%) did not report toxicity at any time. A significant reduction of any grade toxicity was observed between the two time points, with the majority of patients reporting no clinically relevant toxicity at 6 months. At univariate analysis, age < 40 years, breast volume > 1000 cm3 and Dmax ≤ 115% of prescription dose were predictive factors of clinically relevant acute toxicity (G ≥ 2) at any time. At multivariable analysis, only age and breast volume were confirmed as predictive factors, with Relative Risks (95% Confidence Intervals): 2.02 (1.13–3.63) and 1.84 (1.26–2.67), respectively. At 12-month follow-up, 113 patients had complete information on any toxicity with 53% of toxicity G < 2, while cosmetic evaluation, available for 102 patients, reported a good–excellent result for 86% of patients (AU)

Hyperbaric oxygen and radiation therapy: a review

About 5% of cancer patients treated with radiotherapy will have severe late-onset toxicity. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used as a treatment for radiation injuries for decades, with many publications presenting data from small series or individual cases. Moreover, we know that the hypoxic areas of tumours are more resistant to radiation. HBOT increases the oxygen tension in tissues and, theoretically, it should enhance the efficiency of radiotherapy. To better understand how HBOT works, we carried out this bibliographic review. We found Grade B and C evidence that at pressures exceeding 2 absolute atmospheres (ata), HBOT reduced late-onset radiation injuries to the head and neck, bone, prostate and bladder. It also appeared to prevent osteoradionecrosis after exodontia in irradiated areas. Finally, HBOT at 2 ata increased the effectiveness of radiation in head and neck tumours and achieved promising results in the local control of high-grade gliomas (AU)

Eficacia de la oxigenoterapia hiperbárica en el tratamiento de la hematuria por cistitis rádica. Experiencia en un centro de referencia / Hyperbaric oxygen therapy efficacy in the treatment of hematuria due to radiation cystitis. Experience in a reference center

OBJETIVO: Evaluación la eficacia de la oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (OHB) en el tratamiento de la cistitis rádica hemorrágica (CRH) postradioterapia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a los pacientes diagnosticados de hematuria secundaria a CRH postradioterapia pélvica desde enero de 2005 hasta enero del 2017 tratados con OHB. Se recogieron variables demográficas y clínicas. Se efec-tuó un análisis estadístico descriptivo, univariante y multivariante mediante regresión de Cox. El tratamiento se consideró eficaz cuando se produjo una remisión total o parcial de la hematuria en base a la escala del Grupo Oncológico de Radioterapia (RTOG). La respuesta parcial se definió como la presencia de hematuria grado 2 o menor tras el tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Se recogieron un total de 67 pacientes con una edad media de 68,6 años (39-87). Un 65,7% hombres y 34,3% mujeres. La RT fue administrada en el 64,2% de los casos por causa urológica, la más frecuente fue el cáncer de próstata. La dosis media de RT fue 75,24 Gy (45- 180). La media desde la RT hasta el tratamiento con OHB fue de 55,97 meses (4-300) y desde el inicio de la hematuria hasta el tratamiento de 11,3 meses (1-48). Se observó algún tipo de respuesta en 51 (76,1%) pacientes, siendo una respuesta total en el 50,7% y parcial en el 25,4% de los casos. Los pacientes con un grado de hematuria menor a 3, aquellos que recibieron más de 30 sesiones, y aquellos que no precisaron transfusión ni ingreso hospitalario, respondieron significativamente mejor al tratamiento (p < 0,05), según el análisis univariante y multivariante. No fueron reportados efectos adversos relacionados con el tratamiento, solo un paciente fue excluido por claustrofobia. CONCLUSIONES: La terapia con OHB es una tratamiento efectivo y seguro para el manejo de la hematuria por CRH secundaria a radioterapia. Se observó una mejor respuesta en los pacientes con un menor grado de hematuria, en aquellos que recibieron mayor número de sesiones y que no precisaron transfusión ni ingreso hospitalario

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the treatment of hemorrhagic radiation cystitis (HRC). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with hematuria secondary to HRC after pelvic radiation from January 2005 to January 2017 who were treated with HBOT. Demographic and clinical variables were collected. A descriptive univariate and multivariate statistical analysis using Cox regression was carried out. The treatment was considered effective when there was a total or partial remission of the hematuria based on the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scoring schema. Partial remission was defined as the presence of hematuria grade 2 or less. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients with a mean age of 68,6 years (39-87) were included. 65,7% men and 34,3% women. The RT was administered in 64,2% of the cases by urological cause, prostate cancer. The average dose of RT was 75,24 Gy (45-180). The mean from the RT to the HBOT treatment was 55,97 months (4-300) and from the beginning of the hematuria until the treatment was 11,3 months (1-48). Response was observed in 51 (76,1%) patients, total in 50,7% and partial in 25,4% of cases. Patients with a degree of hematuria less than 3, those who were administered more than 30 sessions and those who did not require transfusion or hospital admission, responded significantly better to treatment with HBOT (p < 0.05) according to the univariate and multivariate analysis. No adverse effects related to treatment were reported, only one patient was excluded due to claustrophobia. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective and safe treatment for the management of hematuria due to radiological cystitis secondary to radiotherapy. A better response was observed in patients with a lower degree of hematuria and those who could be administered a greater number of sessions

Endocarditis sobre una válvula mitral nativa calcificada por irradiación / Endocarditis on a native mitral valve calcified by irradiation

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Salvage radiation therapy in prostate cancer: relationship between rectal dose and long-term, self-reported rectal bleeding

Purpose To quantify the relationship between the rectal dose distribution and the prevalence of self-reported rectal bleeding among men treated with salvage radiotherapy (ST) delivered by three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) for prostate cancer. To use this relationship to estimate the risk of rectal bleeding for a contemporary cohort of patients treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) ST. Methods and patients Rectal bleeding of any grade was reported by 56 (22%) of 255 men in a PROM-survey at a median follow-up of 6.7 years after 3DCRT ST. Treatment plan data were extracted and dose–response relationships for the rectal volumes receiving at least 35 Gy (V35Gy) or 63 Gy (V63Gy) were calculated with logistic regression. These relationships were used to estimate the risk of rectal bleeding for a cohort of 253 patients treated with VMAT ST. Results In the dose–response analysis of patients in the 3DCRT ST cohort, both rectal V35Gy and V63Gy were statistically significant parameters in univariable analysis (p = 0.005 and 0.003, respectively). For the dose–response models using either rectal V35Gy or V63Gy, the average calculated risk of rectal bleeding was 14% among men treated with VMAT ST compared to a reported prevalence of 22% for men treated with 3DCRT ST. Conclusions We identified dose–response relationships between the rectal dose distribution and the risk of self-reported rectal bleeding of any grade in a long-term perspective for men treated with 3DCRT ST. Furthermore, VMAT ST may have the potential to decrease the prevalence of late rectal bleeding (AU)

Síndrome de SMART / SMART síndrome

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Efectividad de los productos empleados en la prevención de la radiodermatitis en pacientes con cáncer de mama. Revisión sistemática / Effectiveness of the products used in the prevention of radiodermatitis in patients with breast cancer. A systematic review

INTRODUCCIÓN: La radioterapia es uno de los tratamientos más utilizados en los pacientes paliativos, siendo la radiodermatitis el efecto secundario más frecuente de la radioterapia, afectando a un 85-95 % de los pacientes con cáncer sometidos a este tratamiento. OBJETIVO: el propósito de esta revisión es identificar aquellos productos con mayor eficacia en la prevención de la radiodermatitis en los pacientes con cáncer de mama. METODOLOGÍA: Revisión sistemática de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados sobre la prevención de la radiodermatitis en pacientes con cáncer de mama en tratamiento radioterápico no concomitante, recopilados en las bases de datos PubMed, Lilacs, CINHAL, Trip Databases y Proquest Health & Medical Complete, publicados en los últimos seis años (2021 a 2018) en lengua inglesa y española. RESULTADOS: Los productos que fueron efectivos en la prevención de la radiodermatis son: la glutamina enteral, la curcumina oral, los apósitos de fi lm transparente, la sulfadiazina de plata, la película o la crema de barrera con polimeros, el furoato de mometasona, la crema con hidrocortisona al 1 %, la crema con melatonina y la crema con factor de crecimiento epidérmico (EGF). Se desaconseja el uso del ácido hialurónico y del aloe vera. No mejoró la radiodermatitis con el empleo de cremas hidratantes, caléndula, boswellia, alantoína y el aceite de emú. CONCLUSIONES: En la prevención de la dermatitis por radioterapia, es efectivo el empleo de productos cuya finalidad sea la protección de la piel, como los apósitos tipo fi lm y las cremas o películas con barrera de polímeros. Además de productos potenciadores del sistema inmunitario (glutamina enteral) y productos con propiedades antioxidantes (curcumila oral, la crema de melatonina o el factor de crecimiento epidérmico), otros productos, como los corticoides y los antibióticos tópicos, son efectivos pero su uso a largo plazo conlleva efectos secundarios

INTRODUCTION: Radiotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments in palliative patients, with radiodermatitis being the most frequent side effect of radiation therapy, affecting 85-95 % of cancer patients undergoing this treatment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to identify the products with greater efficacy in the prevention of radiodermatitis in patients with breast cancer. METHODOLOGY: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials on the prevention of radiodermatitis in patients with breast cancer receiving non-concomitant radiotherapym was performed. The studies were collected from the PubMed, Lilacs, CINHAL, Trip, and Proquest Health & Medical Complete databases, and included those published in the last 6 years (2021 to 2018) either in English or Spanish. RESULTS: Products effective in preventing radiodermatis included: enteral glutamine, oral curcumin, clear film dressings, silver sulfadiazine, polymer barrier film or cream, mometasone furoate, cream with 1 % hydrocortisone, melatonin cream, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) cream. The use of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera is not recommended. Radiodermatitis did not improve with the use of moisturizers, calendula, boswellia, allantoin, or emu oil. CONCLUSIONS: In the prevention of dermatitis by radiotherapy, the use of products whose purpose is to protect the skin, such as film-type dressings and creams, or films with polymer barriers, is effective. In addition to immune system enhancing products (enteral glutamine), and to products with antioxidant properties (oral curcumilla, melatonin cream or epidermal growth factor), other products such as corticosteroids and topical antibiotics are effective, but their long-term use is associated with side effects

Ictus lacunar como complicación muy tardía de la radioterapia: valor de las técnicas de medicina nuclear / Lacunar stroke as a very late complication of radiotherapy: value of nuclear medicine techniques

INTRODUCCIÓN: La radioterapia es un tratamiento de gran utilidad en las neoplasias del sistema nervioso central. El rango temporal de sus complicaciones es muy amplio, ya que aparecen incluso muchos años más tarde de haberla finalizado. Estas complicaciones tardías se comportan clínica y radiológicamente de forma similar a una recidiva; un estudio funcional diagnóstico con isótopos radiactivos puede ayudar a tomar una decisión terapéutica. CASO CLÍNICO: Varón que presentó de forma brusca sintomatología neurológica deficitaria en la misma localización donde 25 años antes había recibido radioterapia por un astrocitoma pilocítico. La resonancia magnética sugería un ictus lacunar, pero un hallazgo en la secuencia de perfusión obligaba a ser más preciso en el diagnóstico. Una tomografía por emisión de positrones-tomografía computarizada (PET-TC) con C11-metionina mostró un aumento de captación compatible con neoplasia. La evolución espontánea regresiva de los síntomas inclinó a tomar una actitud conservadora. Una resonancia magnética realizada tres meses más tarde confirmó el ictus lacunar. CONCLUSIONES: La reaparición de síntomas neurológicos años más tarde de la radioterapia de una neoplasia cerebral supone un dilema diagnóstico. Las técnicas diagnósticas actuales son muy precisas, pero presentan falsos positivos. Las distintas técnicas de medicina nuclear, en concreto la PET-TC con C11-metionina, suponen una ayuda diagnóstica. Con este caso se pretende llamar la atención sobre una de las complicaciones tardías de la radioterapia y los distintos diagnósticos diferenciales. Los avances diagnósticos y terapéuticos han aumentado la esperanza de vida de los pacientes oncológicos, con lo que estas complicaciones tardías se prevén más frecuentes

INTRODUCTION: Radiation therapy is a very useful treatment for central nervous systems neoplasms. The time range of its complications is very wide; they appear even many years after its completion. These late complications behave clinically and radiologically similar to a relapse; a functional diagnostic study with radioactive isotopes can help to make a therapeutic decision. CASE REPORT: A male suddenly presented deficient neurological symptoms in the same site where he received radiation therapy 25 years earlier for a pilocytic astrocytoma. The MRI findings suggested a lacunar stroke but a finding in the perfusion sequence forced us to be more precise in the diagnosis. A PET-CT 11C-methionine was performed which showed an increased uptake compatible with neoplasia. The spontaneous regressive evolution of the symptoms inclined us to take a conservative attitude. Lacunar ictus was confirmed on MRI three months later. CONCLUSIONS: The reappearance of neurological symptoms years after radiotherapy of a brain neoplasm poses a diagnostic dilemma. Current diagnostic techniques are very accurate but present false positives. The various nuclear medicine techniques, in particular PET-CT 11C-methionine, are a diagnostic aid. With the presentation of this case we intend to draw attention to one of the late complications of radiation therapy and the various differential diagnoses. Diagnostic and therapeutic advances have increased the life expectancy of cancer patients, so these late complications are expected to be more frequent

El ocaso del modelo lineal sin umbral / The downfall of the linear non-threshold model

El modelo lineal sin umbral (MLSU) es una función dosis-respuesta teórica obtenida de extrapolar los efectos tardíos debidos a la exposición a altas dosis de radiación ionizante al rango de las bajas dosis, pero existen grandes incertidumbres respecto a su validez. La aceptación del MLSU como modelo probabilístico preponderante ha sobrevivido hasta nuestros días y constituye la piedra angular que sostiene las políticas actuales de protección radiológica. En las últimas décadas, los avances en biología molecular y evolutiva, en la inmunología del cáncer, así como los resultados obtenidos de los estudios epidemiológicos y en modelos animales, han puesto en entredicho la fiabilidad del MLSU en favor de otras alternativas, como la teoría hormética. A la vista de las evidencias, se hace necesario un debate entre las sociedades científicas implicadas y los organismos reguladores que aborde una redefinición de las bases de la protección radiológica, cuya importancia sería capital en el ámbito médico

The linear non-threshold model (LNTM) is a theoretical dose-response function as a result of extrapolating the late effects of high-dose exposure to ionizing radiation to the low-dose range, but there is great uncertainty about its validity. The acceptance of LNTM as the dominant probabilistic model have survived to the present day and it is actually the cornerstone of current radiation protection policies. In the last decades, advances in molecular and evolutive biology, cancer immunology, and many epidemiological and animal studies have cast serious doubts about the reliability of the NLTM, as well as suggesting alternative models, like the hormetic theory. Considering the given evidences, a discussion between the involved scientific societies and the regulatory commissions is promtly required in order to to reach a redefiniton of theradiation protection basis, as it would be specially crucial in the medical field

Oxígeno hiperbárico para la cistitis inducida por radioterapia: un seguimiento a largo plazo / Hyperbaric oxygen for radiation-induced cystitis: A long-term follow-up

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Alrededor del 12% de los pacientes tratados con radioterapia pélvica desarrollan complicaciones en la vejiga. La terapia de oxígeno hiperbárico (TOHB) es una opción para el manejo de la cistitis hemorrágica inducida por radioterapia (CHIR). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de la TOHB para tratar la cistitis por radioterapia e identificar factores predictivos para un resultado exitoso. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Revisamos retrospectivamente a 105 pacientes diagnosticados de CHIR que recibieron un tratamiento de TOHB entre 2007 y 2016 en nuestro centro. Los pacientes recibieron oxígeno al 100% en una cámara hiperbárica multiplaza a 2,4 ATA durante 80 min. Todos los pacientes cumplimentaron un cuestionario en el que se documentaba la gravedad de los síntomas previos a la TOHB y tras el período de seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Después de una media de 40 sesiones de TOHB, hubo una tasa de éxito del 92,4% en el control de la hematuria. Durante el período de seguimiento (mediana de 63 meses), el 24,7% de los pacientes presentaron recurrencia de la hematuria. La puntuación media de las variables evaluadas en el cuestionario -disuria, frecuencia urinaria y hematuria- fue significativamente menor después del período de seguimiento (p <0,05). Nuestros datos muestran que cuanto antes se administre la TOHB después del primer episodio de hematuria, se logran mejores tasas de respuesta y se registran menores recurrencias en relación con la hematuria (p <0,05). No se observaron complicaciones graves. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros resultados apoyan la seguridad y los beneficios a largo plazo de la TOHB para la CHIR y otros síntomas molestos de la vejiga, lo que supondría una mejora en la calidad de vida de nuestros pacientes

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bladder complications may be seen in up to 12% of patients treated with pelvic irradiation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an option for the management of radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis (RIHC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of HBOT in radiation cystitis and to identify the predictive factors for a successful outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients diagnosed with RIHC which were treated with HBOT between 2007 and 2016 in our institution. Patients received 100% oxygen in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber at 2.4atm for 80minutes. All patients fulfilled a questionnaire documenting symptom severity pre-HBOT and at the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS: After a median of 40 HBOT sessions, there was success rate of 92,4% in the control of hematuria. During our follow-up period (median of 63 months) 24,7% patients presented with recurrence of hematuria. The mean score of the questionnaire-assessed variables: dysuria, urinary frequency and hematuria, was significantly lower after the follow-up period (P<.05). Our data shows that the sooner HBOT is delivered after the first episode of hematuria, better response rates are achieved and lower recurrences concerning hematuria were registered (P<.05). No serious complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the safety and long-term benefits of HBOT on RIHC and other distressful bladder symptoms, which represents an expected improvement of quality of life in our patients

Effect of different solutions in reversing the damage caused by radiotherapy in dentin structure

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that radiotherapy of the head and neck region can cause direct changes in dental structure. This study evaluated the effect of different solutions on the dentin chemical composition and collagen structure of irradiated dentin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty maxillary canines were distributed in 2 groups (n = 30): non-irradiated and irradiated (radiotherapy: X-rays of 6 MV in 30 cycles of 2 Gy to 60 Gy). The teeth were sectioned, sanded, and polished to obtain 3x3x2 mm fragments, which were redistributed in 3 subgroups (n = 10) according to the treatment employed: chlorhexidine 2% (CL), chitosan 0.2% (QT), and 0.5 M carbodiimide (EDC). The samples were analyzed in FTIR at time zero (T0-control) and after 1 (T1), 3 (T3), and 5 (T5) minutes of immersion in the tested solutions. The data for the areas of the carbonate (C), amide I (AI) bands, and the ratio between the areas of the amide III/proline and hydroxyproline (AIII/PH) bands were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test (alpha = 5%).RESULTS: QT showed lower C values at T1, T3, and T5 (P < 0.0001), presenting lower values when compared to CL and EDC subgroups (P < 0.05). AI values at T3 and T5 were higher than T0-control and T1, independently of the radiotherapy and dentin treatment factors (P < 0.05). At T0-control, the AIII/PH ratio was lower in the irradiated group (P < 0.05), whereas the EDC treatment at T1, T3, and T5 and QT at T3 and T5 increased these values (P < 0.05), making them similar to non-irradiated subgroups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy changes the secondary structure of collagen, and EDC was able to restore collagen integrity after 1 minute of immersion, without changing dentin inorganic composition

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Quemaduras radioinducidas / Radioinduced burns

El presente artículo comprende una amplia y descriptiva revisión de la radiación desde su concepción básica, características, clasificación, fuentes, equipos, elementos radioactivos y los efectos biológicos en el ser humano. La diferencia entre radiación ionizante y no ionizante radica en la cantidad de energía del fotón individual y no en la cantidad de energía total. La radiación no ionizante se caracteriza por no contar con energía suficiente para convertir átomos o moléculas a iones, sin embargo es capaz de producir calor, útil en tratamientos fisiátricos y estéticos, pero con la posibilidad de producir quemaduras y otras lesiones que aún siguen en estudio. Entre las fuentes de radiación no ionizante tenemos la luz visible, el laser, la luz infrarroja, el microondas, y el teléfono móvil. Los diversos equipos de diagnóstico y tratamiento empleados en Medicina como rayos X, radioterapia, medicina nuclear, o en el caso de accidentes nucleares y guerras radiactivas, pueden generar radiaciones del tipo ionizante que rompen enlaces químicos, con el consecuente desarrollo de lesiones biológicas, en ocasiones graves

This article includes a broad and descriptive review of radiation from its basic conception, characteristics, classification, sources, equipment, radioactive elements and the biological effects on humans. The difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation lies in the amount of energy of the individual photon and not in the amount of total energy. Non-ionizing radiation is characterized by not having enough energy to convert atoms or molecules to ions; however they are capable of producing heat, useful in physiological and aesthetic treatments, with the possibility of producing burns and other injuries that are still under study. Among the non-ionizing radiation sources, we have visible light, laser, infrared light, microwave and mobile phone. The various diagnostic and treatment equipment used in Medicine such as X-rays, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, or in the case of nuclear accidents and radioactive wars, can generate ionizing type radiation that breaks chemical bonds, with the consequent development of biological lesions that may be severe