MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF ACUTE RADIATION DERMATITIS: A LITERATURE REVIEW (Atena Editora)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Acute radiation dermatitis is one of the most common skin complications in patients undergoing radiotherapy, with an incidence that can vary from 50% to 95%, depending on the type of cancer and the treatment regimen. The prevalence of this condition is especially high in cancers that require radiation therapy in areas with a high density of hair follicles, such as breast cancer and head and neck cancer. GOAL: To address current strategies for management and prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in patients undergoing radiotherapy. METHODOLOGY: Bibliographic review carried out in October 2023. Literature searches were carried out in the PubMed databases. 333 articles were found and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 articles were selected to form the collection. DISCUSSION: Although there is little data regarding the real effectiveness of topical use after each radiotherapy session, some topical products, such as homeopathic ointments traditionally used for skin irritations, appear as a promising treatment for burns and radiation-induced dermatitis, improving healing. by inhibiting the inflammatory process and the activity of matrix metalloproteinases. Furthermore, it is known that Biafine emulsion can prevent grade 3 radiodermatitis and Calendula officinalis has shown a reduction in dermatitis in patients with early breast cancer with postoperative radiotherapy. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Despite improvements in radiotherapy techniques, 90% of patients develop acute radiation dermatitis and up to 25% pruritus, occurring frequently, especially in the following days and weeks. Therefore, it is important that patients adopt some general skin care measures, such as avoiding sun exposure, washing the skin with warm water and neutral soap, keeping the irradiated area clean and dry, using water-based moisturizers and loose-fitting clothing. Topical steroid applications for radiodermatitis.