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.
Declaraciones
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Este trabajo no cuenta con el apoyo de ningún financiamiento directo o indirecto. El autor asume plena responsabilidad sobre el mismo.