Prophylactically applied Hydrofilm polyurethane film dressings reduce radiation dermatitis in adjuvant radiation therapy of breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Radiation-induced skin injury represents one of the most common side effects in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant whole-breast radiotherapy. Numerous systemic and topical treatments have been studied in the prevention and management of radiation-induced skin injury without providing sustainable treatment strategies. While superficial barrier-forming skin products such as dressings are the standard of care in wound care management, their utilization as preventive treatment approach in radiotherapy has barely attracted attention. METHODS: In this prospective, intra-patient randomized study, Hydrofilm polyurethane film dressings were applied prophylactically to either the medial or lateral breast half of 62 patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant radiation therapy following breast conserving surgery. The breast half contralateral to the film dressing was concurrently treated with 5% urea lotion as control skin care. Maximum severity of radiation dermatitis was assessed using RTOG/EORTC toxicity scores, photospectrometric erythema measurements and patient-assessed modified RISRAS scale. RESULTS: In the Hydrofilm compartments, mean maximum RTOG/EORTC radiation dermatitis severity grades were significantly reduced from 1.33 to 0.35 and photospectrometric measurements showed significantly reduced erythema severity, as compared to the control compartments, with an overall response rate of 89.3%. Hydrofilm completely prevented moist desquamation and significantly reduced patients' subjective experience of itching and pain. CONCLUSION: The obtained results along with a favorable cost-benefit ratio and an easy and quick application suggest a prophylactic application of Hydrofilm in adjuvant radiotherapy of breast cancer patients to reduce or even prevent radiation dermatitis.

In vitro evaluation of the occlusive properties of latex-covered amplatzer vascular plugs for transrenal ureteral occlusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the occlusive properties of latex-covered Amplatzer Vascular Plugs (AVPs) for transrenal ureteral occlusion in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Latex-covered AVPs type I and II (diameter 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 mm) were used as occlusive devices. Radial force of an AVP was measured using simulated ureteral diameters of 4 to 12 mm. Occlusive properties were examined in a silicone tube (inner diameter 6 mm) with measurement of drainage time of a 40 cm water column. In complete occlusion, the maximum pressure that the plug was able to withstand was determined at different temperature levels. Statistical analysis of drainage time was performed in a general linear model (GLM) and using correlation analyses. Explanted porcine ureters were used to simulate physiologic conditions. Pressure measurements were performed until leakage, plug dislocation, or rupture of the ureter occurred. RESULTS: Radial force depended on AVP type, size, ureteral diameter, and temperature. The 16-mm AVP II showed the highest radial force of more than 5 N (ureteral diameter 4 mm, body temperature). All AVP I showed water leakage and plug dislocation. Drainage time of the AVP II depended significantly on plug size and temperature and correlated with radial force (r=0.731, P<0.001). In complete occlusion, water leakage occurred at 500 to 1000 cm H2O and dislocation between 500 to more than 2000 cm H2O. In porcine ureters, leakage occurred at room temperature between 19 to 93 cm H2O. At body temperature, all AVP II occluded the ureter completely. CONCLUSION: Latex-covered AVP II (diameter 8-16 mm) can effectively occlude the ureter, especially considering remodeling of the nitinol at body temperature. Large plug diameters can exert enough radial force even in dilated ureters to allow for successful occlusion. Because deployment of a 16-mm latex-covered AVP II can be technically difficult, we advocate the use of 12- or 14-mm AVP II for transrenal ureteral occlusion. AVP Is are not suitable for ureteral occlusion.