Objectives: Objective: To evaluate the effects on quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer patients with chronic radiation dermatitis treated with laser monotherapy.
Introduction: Introduction: Radiation dermatitis can have cosmetic, emotional, and functional sequelae in breast cancer (BC) patients. It is important to discuss treatment options, contraindications , and adverse effects for treatment of radiation dermatitis.
Materials / method: Materials and Methods: A prospective, IRB approved, study was conducted at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of BC patients with chronic radiation dermatitis. Subjects completed HR-QOL questionnaires before and after laser monotherapy therapy for radiation induced breast telangiectasias. After informed consent, prior to and after completion of treatment all patients completed the Skindex-16 and Breast-Q Adverse Effects of Radiation QoL questionnaires. Median HR-QOL scores before and after therapy were reported and differences were calculated using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test.
Results: Results: Twenty-two female patients (mean 56.1 years) were enrolled. 13/21 (62%) exhibited telangiectasias across the décolletage, axilla, and breast. Nine patients completed follow-up questionnaires. Patients improved significantly in emotional and functional Skindex-16 domains (mean pre-treatment vs. post-treatment emotional: 42.3 vs. 13.2, p=0.008; functional 15.6 vs. 5.9, p=0.0499). Specific physical and cosmetic concerns common to radiated breast skin also bothered patients less (mean pre-treatment vs. post-treatment Breast-Q: 31.9 vs. 10.4, p=0.000085).
Conclusion: Conclusion: Patients experiencing chronic radiation dermatitis and radiation induced breast telangiectasias had a significant deficit in QoL arenas. The use of the laser monotherapy not only improved the physical condition, but significantly improved patient’s health related QoL.
Disclosures
Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No
Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No
Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No
Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No
This work was not supported by any direct or non direct funding. It is under the author's own responsability
