Hypericum sampsonii ameliorates radiodermatitis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

BACKGROUND: Radiodermatitis (RD) is an inflammatory lesion of skin mucosa caused by radiation, which causes itching and pain in patients' skin. Hypericum sampsonii has an anti-inflammatory effect. This study aims to explore the potential effect and mechanism of H. sampsonii on RD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The RD model was established using X-ray irradiation of mice and the pain response of mice under different treatment methods. Serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured by ELSA. The RD cell model was constructed by RAW264.7 cell, H. sampsonii intervention was conducted, and the changes of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the cells were detected by qRT-PCR. The cells were stimulated with LPS and the protein changes of TLR4/NF-κB were investigated by Western Blotting. RESULTS: H. sampsonii can better improve the skin status of RD mice, relieve pain, and reduce the secretion of serum inflammatory factors IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. H. sampsonii significantly down-regulated the expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, pro IL-1ß, and IL-1ß. Lps-induced activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway promotes the expression of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1ß, and H. sampsonii can inhibit this promotion. CONCLUSION: H. sampsonii may inhibit NLRP3 inflammatory vesicle activation via interfering with TLR4/NF-κB signaling to reduce the inflammatory response in macrophages and thus play a role in the treatment of RD.

Validation of the Skin Symptom Assessment (SSA) questionnaire for the evaluation of radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a painful side effect of radiation therapy (RT). The objective of this analysis was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Skin Symptom Assessment (SSA) questionnaire in evaluating the severity of patient- and clinician-reported outcomes for RD in breast cancer patients by comparing it to a validated assessment tool, the Radiation-Induced Skin Reaction Assessment Scale (RISRAS) questionnaire. METHODS: This study compared patient and clinician-reported outcomes for RD from previous clinical trials conducted in a Canadian cancer centre. The analysis included 376 and 38 patients in the two trials using Mepitel Film (doi.org/10.1200) and StrataXRT (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05594498), respectively. Patients in both studies completed the SSA and RISRAS questionnaires at baseline, 2-weeks post-RT, and 3 months after completion of RT. Clinician SSA and RISRAS assessments were collected at baseline and 2-weeks post-RT. These time points were analyzed longitudinally to investigate the SSA's validity in RD symptom assessment. RESULTS: The majority of patient-reported items on the SSA and RISRAS assessments demonstrated positive significant associations between symptoms of itchiness, between pain/soreness and pain/discomfort, and between blistering or erythema with burning sensation items. All items in the clinician-reported SSA and clinician component of RISRAS showed positive statistical significance between items measuring erythema, pigmentation or edema with dry desquamation, and blistering/peeling with moist desquamation. CONCLUSIONS: The SSA has been validated for assessing patient- and clinician-reported symptoms of RD accurately as outcomes correlate well with the previously validated RISRAS assessment.

Adipose-derived stem cells apoptosis rejuvenate radiation-impaired skin in mice via remodeling and rearranging dermal collagens matrix.

BACKGROUND: Chronic radiation dermatitis (CRD) is a late consequence of radiation with high incidence in patients receiving radiotherapy. Conventional therapies often yield unsatisfactory results. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential and mechanism of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for CRD, paving the way for novel regenerative therapies in clinical practice. METHODS: Clinical CRD skin biopsies were analyzed to character the pathological changes of CRD skin and guided the animal modeling scheme. Subsequently, an in vivo analysisusing mouse CRD models was conducted to explore their effects of ADSCs on CRD, monitoring therapeutic impact for up to 8 weeks. Transcriptome sequencing and histologic sections analysis were performed to explore the potential therapeutic mechanism of ADSCs. Following observing extensive apoptosis of transplanted ADSCs, the therapeutic effect of ADSCs were compared with those of apoptosis-inhibited ADSCs. Multiphoton imaging and analysis of collagen morphologic features were employed to explain how translated ADSCs promote collagen remodeling at the microscopic level based on the contrast of morphology of collagen fibers. RESULTS: Following injection into CRD-afflicted skin, ADSCs therapy effectively mitigated symptoms of CRD, including acanthosis of the epidermis, fibrosis, and irregular collagen deposition, consistent with the possible therapeutic mechanism suggested by transcriptome sequencing. Notably, in vivo tracking revealed a significant reduction in ADSCs number due to extensive apoptosis. Inhibiting apoptosis in ADSCs partially tempered their therapeutic effects. Mechanically, analysis of collagen morphologic features indicated that translated ADSCs might promote dermal extracellular matrix remodeling through enlarging, lengthening, crimping, and evening collagen, counteracting the atrophy and rupture caused by irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that ADSCs underwent substantial apoptosis upon local skin transplantation, and paradoxically, this apoptosis is essential for their efficacy in promoting the regeneration of late radiation-impaired skin. Mechanically, transplanted ADSCs could promote the remodeling and rearrangement of radiation-damaged dermal collagen matrix.

StrataXRT for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Previous literature has produced heterogeneous results on StrataXRT for prevention of acute radiation dermatitis (RD) in breast cancer. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of StrataXRT in a cancer center. METHODS: The study consisted of five cohorts: (1) patients with large breasts treated with local radiation therapy (RT) either in the supine position or (2) the prone position, (3) patients receiving locoregional breast RT with any breast size, and (4) patients receiving chest wall RT, either locally or (5) locoregionally. The primary endpoint of the study was RD grade as assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Secondary endpoints included incidence of moist desquamation (MD), patient- and clinician-reported skin assessments, patient quality of life as assessed by the Skindex-16, and patient satisfaction. These outcomes were compared with those from a published trial from the same institution assessing standard of care and Mepitel Film (MF) as prevention of breast RD. RESULTS: Forty-five patients receiving RT to the breast or chest wall were enrolled. Two withdrew, leaving 43 evaluable patients. Overall, two (4.7%) patients had grade 3 RD, 14 (32.6%) had grade 2 RD, and 27 (62.8%) had grade 1 RD. Ten patients (23.3%) developed MD during/after RT. CONCLUSION: StrataXRT is effective in preventing grade 3 RD in patients, and the most promising results were observed within the prone cohort. Further research includes evaluating the efficacy of StrataXRT against the standard of care for the prophylaxis of RD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT05594498) on October 13, 2022.

Spray skin protectant versus standard moisturiser in the prevention of radiodermatitis in patients with anal canal and rectal cancer: A randomised clinical trial.

The evidence on products for the prevention of radiodermatitis is limited. The primary objective was to analyse the effectiveness of the spray skin protectant 'non-burning barrier film' in the prevention of radiodermatitis with moist desquamation in patients with the anal canal and rectal cancer followed in nursing consultations compared to a standardised moisturiser based on Calendula officinalis and Aloe barbadensis. Single-blind randomised clinical trial. The study was performed in a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 63 patients undergoing anal canal and rectal cancer treatment, randomised into one of the following two groups: an experimental group, which used a spray skin protectant and a control group, which used a moisturiser. Data were collected using an initial and subsequent evaluation form and were assessed using descriptive and inferential analyses. Participants who used the spray skin protectant had a lower chance of presenting radiodermatitis with moist desquamation and a longer time without this outcome when compared to the control group. The overall incidence of radiodermatitis was 100%, with 36.5% being severe. Furthermore, 17.5% of participants discontinued radiotherapy due to radiodermatitis. There were no differences between the groups regarding the severity of radiodermatitis and the number of patients who discontinued radiotherapy. The skin protectant was effective in preventing radiodermatitis with moist desquamation amongst patients with anal canal and rectal cancer.

Barrier films or dressings for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Barrier films or dressings were reported to be effective in preventing radiation dermatitis (RD) in breast cancer patients, but their comparative efficacy is unknown. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane CENTRAL Registry of Clinical Trials from inception to October 20, 2023. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing barrier films or dressings to the standard of care (SOC) or other interventions were included. We estimated summary odds ratios and mean differences using network meta-analysis with random effects. This study was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023475021). RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs met inclusion criteria. Six interventions were analysed: 3M™ Moisturizing Double Barrier Cream (MDBC), 3M™ No Sting Barrier Film (BF), Hydrofilm® (HF), Mepitel® Film (MF), Silver Leaf Nylon Dressing and StrataXRT®. HF, MF and StrataXRT® reduced the incidence of moist desquamation compared to SOC (HF: OR = 0.08; p = 0.02; MF: OR = 0.31 p < 0.01; StrataXRT®: OR = 0.22, p = 0.04). The ranking of agents from most to least effective in preventing moist desquamation according to P-scores was HF (92.5%), MF (78.5%), StrataXRT® (70.1%), BF (46.4%), Silver Leaf Nylon Dressing (24.9%), MDBC (22.9%) and SOC (14.7%). Only four RCTs on HF and MF included patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessments that allowed pooling for analysis. HF and MF were more effective in reducing pain, itchiness and burning sensation compared to SOC (p < 0.01 for all symptoms). CONCLUSION: HF and MF were effective in preventing RD in breast cancer. Future RCTs should compare these interventions to effective cream preparations, such as topical corticosteroids.

Radiation recall reaction induced by gemcitabine/docetaxel in children: A retrospective study on risk factors and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation recall reaction (RRR) is a rare inflammatory reaction developing in a previously irradiated field after a triggering agent. In pediatric patients, it is poorly understood and deficiently studied. Gemcitabine-docetaxel (G/D) in childhood cancer is mainly used as a salvage regimen for sarcomas. We aim to describe RRR triggered by G/D in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 21 patients receiving G/D along with radiotherapy at two hospitals from 2010 until 2022. RRR was considered as any toxicity occurring after G/D administration in a previously irradiated field. RRR features were described. Fisher's and Mann-Whitney tests were utilized to analyze the risk factors involved. RESULTS: Sixteen episodes of RRR developed in 16 (76.2%) patients. RRR mainly involved deep layers of the skin (58%) and occurred predominantly after two G/D cycles. The mean time between radiotherapy and chemotherapy was 28.5 days (0-1359 days), and the mean radiation volume 391 mL (157-1810 mL) for RRR. RRR treatment was mainly systemic steroids, with partial responses in six of 11 (58%) patients. Re-exposure to G/D was associated with a high rate of recurrence in nine of 15 (56.2%), prompting drug discontinuation. The major risk factors for RRR after G/D include, without statistical significance, a larger volume of the irradiated field and a shorter interval between chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of RRR after G/D in the pediatric population is higher than previously reported. Drug re-exposure is usually followed by recurrence. Higher irradiated volumes and a shorter time to the start of chemotherapy could be related with an increased risk of RRR.

Utilizing radiomics and dosiomics with AI for precision prediction of radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: This study explores integrating clinical features with radiomic and dosiomic characteristics into AI models to enhance the prediction accuracy of radiation dermatitis (RD) in breast cancer patients undergoing volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved a retrospective analysis of 120 breast cancer patients treated with VMAT at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital from 2018 to 2023. Patient data included CT images, radiation doses, Dose-Volume Histogram (DVH) data, and clinical information. Using a Treatment Planning System (TPS), we segmented CT images into Regions of Interest (ROIs) to extract radiomic and dosiomic features, focusing on intensity, shape, texture, and dose distribution characteristics. Features significantly associated with the development of RD were identified using ANOVA and LASSO regression (p-value < 0.05). These features were then employed to train and evaluate Logistic Regression (LR) and Random Forest (RF) models, using tenfold cross-validation to ensure robust assessment of model efficacy. RESULTS: In this study, 102 out of 120 VMAT-treated breast cancer patients were included in the detailed analysis. Thirty-two percent of these patients developed Grade 2+ RD. Age and BMI were identified as significant clinical predictors. Through feature selection, we narrowed down the vast pool of radiomic and dosiomic data to 689 features, distributed across 10 feature subsets for model construction. In the LR model, the J subset, comprising DVH, Radiomics, and Dosiomics features, demonstrated the highest predictive performance with an AUC of 0.82. The RF model showed that subset I, which includes clinical, radiomic, and dosiomic features, achieved the best predictive accuracy with an AUC of 0.83. These results emphasize that integrating radiomic and dosiomic features significantly enhances the prediction of Grade 2+ RD. CONCLUSION: Integrating clinical, radiomic, and dosiomic characteristics into AI models significantly improves the prediction of Grade 2+ RD risk in breast cancer patients post-VMAT. The RF model analysis demonstrates that a comprehensive feature set maximizes predictive efficacy, marking a promising step towards utilizing AI in radiation therapy risk assessment and enhancing patient care outcomes.

Observation of the Therapeutic Effect of Hydrogel Combined with Alginate Dressings for a Patient with Grade 4 Acute Radiation Dermatitis: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: In this case report, the authors summarize their experience of using hydrogel combined with alginate dressings in the wound care of a patient with grade 4 acute radiation dermatitis. With the combination of hydrogel and alginate dressings, the authors achieved autolytic debridement of the wound and created a moist healing environment to facilitate wound closure. Hydrogel helps the dressing adhere better to the wound bed, ensuring that it does not easily detach during the wound healing process. It also eliminates the need for traditional adhesive tapes for fixation, thus avoiding damage to the fragile skin in the radiation field.The wound gradually decreased in size from an area of 10 × 12 cm, and exudate decreased continuously. The wound completely healed in 20 days with a total of 17 dressing changes. As the wound gradually healed, the patient's psychological burden decreased and comfort level increased. The patient expressed satisfaction and hope for the gradual healing of the wound.Thus, the treatment of severe acute radiation dermatitis with hydrogel combined with alginate dressings yields remarkable results, aligning the noninvasive, low-adhesive, absorbent, conformable, and comfortable attributes of optimized wound care. This experience provides a practical foundation for wound management in acute radiation dermatitis and supports clinical application and promotion of the approach.

Acute radiation skin injury in stage III-IV head and neck cancer: scale correlates and predictive model.

PURPOSE: Active radiation skin injury (ARSI) has the highest incidence of acute adverse reactions caused by radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). This study aimed to screen risk factors that can facilitate the identification of HNC patients at high risk of ARSI. METHODS: Data from 255 stage III-IV HNC patients who underwent intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were collected. The data from our medical records, including clinical characteristics and hematological indices before RT, were retrospectively collected and arranged. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Criteria (CTCAE), Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Criteria (RTOG), World Health Organization Criteria (WHO), Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), Acute Radiation Dermatitis Graduation Scale, Douglas & Fowler and Radiation Dermatitis Severity Scale (RDSS) were used to assess ARSI. Of these, CTCAE was used for further analysis. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identity risk factors. To establish the correction between each risk factor and the ARSI score, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed. RESULTS: The assessment results of the CTCAE with RTOG, WHO, ONS, Graduation Scale, Douglas & Fowler and RDSS have good consistency. After radiotherapy, 18.4% of patients had at least 3 (3 +) grade ARSI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the KPS score, blood glucose level, white blood cell count, and plasma free thyroxine (FT4) concentration were independent risk factors for 3 + grade ARSI. A nomogram was constructed on the basis of these risk factors, which demonstrated good predictive power according to the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The satisfactory consistency and clinical efficacy of the nomogram were confirmed by calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). CONCLUSION: A low KPS score, high blood glucose level, high white blood cell count, and high thyroid hormone prior to radiotherapy for stage III-IV HNC are independent risk factors for grade 3 + RSI.

Feasibility and Safety of the "One-Week Breast Radiation Therapy" Program.

AIMS: FAST-Forward and UK-FAST-trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of five-fraction breast adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) and have become the standard of care for selected early breast cancer patients. In response to the additional burden caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented "One-Week Breast RT," an innovative program delivering five-fraction whole breast RT in a complete 5-day workflow. The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of our program. The secondary objective was to evaluate cosmetic results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 120 patients treated from February 2021 to March 2022, received whole breast RT without lymph node irradiation nor boost, with 26 Gy in five fractions over one week. Inverse planning with restricted optimization parameters offers systematic deep inspiration breath-hold aimed to provide treatment plans compliant with FAST-Forward recommendations. Toxicity and cosmetic evaluations were prospectively registered prior (pre-RT), at the end (end-RT), and 6 months after RT (6 months) based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v. 4.03 and Harvard scale. RESULTS: With a median age of 70 years (interquartile range (IQR): 66-74) and a median follow-up of 6 months (IQR: 6.01-6.25), most patients (93.3%) completed their RT in one week from baseline to the end of the treatment consultation. The most common acute toxicities (at end-RT) were skin-related: radio-dermatitis (72%), induration (35%), hyperpigmentation (8%), and breast edema (16%). The rate of radio-dermatitis decreased from end-RT to 6 months (71.7% vs 5.4%, P< 0.001). No patient experienced grade ≥3 toxicity. At 6 months, cosmetic results were generally good or excellent (94.1%). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the feasibility and acute safety of the "One-Week Breast RT" in real life. Favorable toxicity profiles and good cosmetic outcomes are in line with FAST-Forward results. A prospective national cohort, aimed at decreasing treatment burden, maintaining safety, efficacy, and improving RT workflow efficiency with longer follow-up is ongoing.

Comparison of liposomal gel with and without addition of chamomile for prevention of radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer patients frequently develop radiation dermatitis (RD) during radiotherapy. We compared liposomal gel with and without chamomile extract for the prevention and management of RD in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty participants undergoing radiotherapy for the first time for head and neck cancer were recruited in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Primary outcomes were the occurrence of dry desquamation and the cumulative dose of ionizing radiation at the first occurrence of dry desquamation. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of erythema, moist desquamation, global RD, and participant self-reported symptoms. RESULTS: Dry desquamation occurred in 76.9 % (95 % CI: 57.9, 89.0) of participants in the chamomile liposomal gel group and in 88.9 % (95 % CI: 71.9, 96.1) in the liposomal gel group (p = 0.43). The median cumulative dose of ionizing radiation when dry desquamation occurred was 48.0 Gy in the chamomile liposomal gel group and 40.0 Gy in the liposomal gel group. Fewer symptoms were reported in the chamomile liposomal gel group. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant differences in outcomes were found between the two groups, though the chamomile liposomal gel group presented with lower grades of RD than the liposomal gel group. In addition, when compared to the literature on other topical interventions to manage RD, our results show that chamomile liposomal gel has potential for better management and prevention of RD in this population, which should be further tested. This study provides crucial information to design future studies. Clinical Trials Registration (REBEC): RBR-92cts3.

Composite hydrogels with antioxidant and robust adhesive properties for the prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis.

Radiotherapy is a pivotal means of cancer treatment, but it often leads to radiation dermatitis, a skin injury caused by radiation-induced excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Scavenging free radicals in the course of radiation therapy will be an effective means to prevent radiation dermatitis. This study demonstrates a novel double network hydrogel doped with MoS2 nanosheets for the prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis. The resultant SPM hydrogel constructed from polyacrylamide (PAM) and sodium alginate (SA) nanofiber presented favorable mechanical and adhesion properties. It could conform well to the human body's irregular contours without secondary dressing fixation, making it suitable for skin protection applications. The in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the antioxidant properties conferred by MoS2 nanosheets enable SPM to effectively mitigate excessive ROS and reduce oxidative stress, thereby preventing radiation dermatitis caused by oxidative damage. Biosafety assessments indicated good biocompatibility of the composite hydrogel, suggesting SPM's practicality and potential as an external dressing for skin radiation protection.

Development of a risk prediction model for radiation dermatitis following proton radiotherapy in head and neck cancer using ensemble machine learning.

PURPOSE: This study aims to develop an ensemble machine learning-based (EML-based) risk prediction model for radiation dermatitis (RD) in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing proton radiotherapy, with the goal of achieving superior predictive performance compared to traditional models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 57 head and neck cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated proton therapy at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were analyzed. The study incorporated 11 clinical and 9 dosimetric parameters. Pearson's correlation was used to eliminate highly correlated variables, followed by feature selection via LASSO to focus on potential RD predictors. Model training involved traditional logistic regression (LR) and advanced ensemble methods such as Random Forest and XGBoost, which were optimized through hyperparameter tuning. RESULTS: Feature selection identified six key predictors, including smoking history and specific dosimetric parameters. Ensemble machine learning models, particularly XGBoost, demonstrated superior performance, achieving the highest AUC of 0.890. Feature importance was assessed using SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values, which underscored the relevance of various clinical and dosimetric factors in predicting RD. CONCLUSION: The study confirms that EML methods, especially XGBoost with its boosting algorithm, provide superior predictive accuracy, enhanced feature selection, and improved data handling compared to traditional LR. While LR offers greater interpretability, the precision and broader applicability of EML make it more suitable for complex medical prediction tasks, such as predicting radiation dermatitis. Given these advantages, EML is highly recommended for further research and application in clinical settings.

Highly efficient prevention of radiation dermatitis using a PEGylated superoxide dismutase dissolving microneedle patch.

PEGylated superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD) is commonly used as a cytoprotective agent in radiotherapy. However, its effectiveness in preventing radiation dermatitis is limited owing to its poor skin permeability. To address this issue, a PEG-SOD-loaded dissolving microneedle (PSMN) patch was developed to effectively prevent radiation dermatitis. Initially, PSMN patches were fabricated using a template mold method with polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 as the matrix material. PSMNs exhibited a conical shape with adequate mechanical strength to penetrate the stratum corneum. More than 90 % of PEG-SOD was released from the PSMN patches within 30 min. Notably, the PSMN patches showed a significantly higher drug skin permeation than the PEG-SOD solutions, with a 500-fold increase. In silico simulations and experiments on skin pharmacokinetics confirmed that PSMN patches enhanced drug permeation and skin absorption, in contrast to PEG-SOD solutions. More importantly, PSMN patches efficiently mitigated ionizing radiation-induced skin damage, accelerated the healing process of radiation-affected skin tissues, and exhibited highly effective radioprotective activity for DNA in the skin tissue. Therefore, PSMN patches are promising topical remedy for the prevention of radiation dermatitis.

Topical agents for the prevention ofradiodermatitis in cancer patients: A systematic review / Agentes tópicos para prevenção de radiodermatiteem pacientes com câncer: revisão sistemática

Objetivo: Analisar as evidências sobre o efeito dos agentes tópicos empregados para a prevenção da radiodermatite em pacientes com câncer. Método: Revisão sistemática de estudos clínicos randomizados duplos-cegos construída conforme recomendações do Joanna Briggs Institute e busca nas bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, além da literatura cinzenta. Utilizaram-se a ferramenta de avaliação crítica do JBI para ensaios clínicos randomizados para avaliar a possibilidade de viés, o Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation para a qualidade das evidências e o Gradepro® para recomendá-las. Resultados: Selecionaram-se 13 estudos que avaliaram diferentes agentes tópicos para prevenir a radiodermatite, a saber: corticosteroides, de ação antioxidante e fitoterápicos. A qualidade metodológica de cada estudo foi apropriada, mas a qualidade da evidência gerada pela reunião deles foi baixa, independentemente do tipo de agente tópico empregado, sugerindo que a confiança no seu efeito é limitada e tornando a força de recomendação fraca. Conclusão: Alguns agentes tópicos mostraram-se promissores para a prevenção de radiodermatite, mas as evidências aqui reunidas sobre a eficácia deles não permitem indicar seu uso para a prevenção de radiodermatite em pacientes com câncer. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the evidence on the effect of topical agents to prevent radiodermatitis in cancer patients. Methods: Systematic review of double-blind randomized clinical studies built according to JBI recommendations and search in the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus, in addition to the Gray Literature. The JBI critical assessment tool for randomized clinical trials was used to assess the possibility of bias, GRADE for the quality of evidence, and Gradepro® to recommend them. Results: Thirteen studies were selected that evaluated different topical agents to prevent radiodermatitis, namely: corticosteroids, with antioxidant action and herbal medicines. The methodological quality of each study was appropriate. Still, the quality of evidence generated by pooling them was low, regardless of the type of topical agent employed, suggesting that confidence in its effect is limited and weakening the strength of the recommendation. Conclusions: Some topical agents have shown promise for the prevention of radiodermatitis, but the evidence gathered here about their effectiveness does not indicate their use for the prevention of radiodermatitis in cancer patients. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia sobre el efecto de los agentes tópicos utilizados para la prevención de la radiodermatitis en pacientes con cáncer. Método: Revisión sistemática de estudios clínicos aleatorizados, doble ciego, elaborados según las recomendaciones del JBI y buscados en MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, Web of Science, Embase y Scopus, además de literatura gris. Se utilizó la herramienta de evaluación crítica JBI para ensayos clínicos aleatorios para evaluar la posibilidad de sesgo, GRADE para la calidad de la evidencia y Gradepro® para recomendarla. Resultados: Se seleccionaron trece estudios que evaluaron diferentes agentes tópicos para prevenir la radiodermatitis, a saber: corticosteroides, con acción antioxidante y fitoterapia. La calidad metodológica de cada estudio fue apropiada, pero la calidad de la evidencia generada al combinarlos fue baja, independientemente del tipo de agente tópico empleado, lo que sugiere que la confianza en su efecto es limitada y debilita la fuerza de la recomendación. Conclusión: Algunos agentes tópicos se han mostrado prometedores para la prevención de la radiodermatitis, pero la evidencia aquí reunida sobre su eficacia no nos permite indicar su uso para la prevención de la radiodermatitis en pacientes con cáncer. (AU)

Acute skin toxicity and self-management ability among Chinese breast cancer radiotherapy patients: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Radiation dermatitis is the most common reaction to radiotherapy, almost all breast cancer patients receive radiotherapy on an outpatient basis. Currently, there are no studies on the experience of radiation dermatitis and the ability to self-manage it. Therefore, we aimed to use qualitative approaches to gain a deeper understanding of the actual experiences and self-management ability in order to provide a reference for further improving the effectiveness of self-management and to optimize symptom management strategies. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using purposive sampling to select 17 breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from September to November 2023. The Colaizzi seven-step analysis method was used to classify the data into summarized themes. RESULTS: Four themes were identified from the interview responses: (1) multiple self-reported skin symptoms in breast cancer patients with radiation dermatitis; (2) the multidimensional impact on patient's quality of life, especially pruritus, ulceration; (3) the ability to self-manage radiation dermatitis: strong mental toughness, positive response, and self-doubt; (4) challenges faced: concerns about radiotherapy side effects and recurrence, targeted symptom management and continuity of care after the radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should consider patients' self-reported symptoms when assessing radiation dermatitis. For pruritus and pain, we can enhance precision symptom management to improve patients' quality of life. By utilizing information technology tools, we can increase breast cancer patients' ability and confidence in managing radiation dermatitis effectively while enhancing accurate symptom management during radiotherapy.