Article
Phase III Randomized Pair Comparison of a Barrier Film vs. Standard Skin Care in Preventing Radiation Dermatitis in Postlumpectomy Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Radiation Therapy
Cureus
(2019)
Abstract
Introduction
Patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy to the breast often experience radiation dermatitis
ranging from mild erythema to moist desquamation. In post-lumpectomy patients, the axilla
and inframammary fold are at an increased risk for friction dermatitis. Dermatitis can impact
patients’ quality-of-life and may require treatment break/cessation. Our objectives are to assess
the efficacy of 3M Cavilon Barrier Film (BF) in preventing and/or delaying the onset of gradetwo
dermatitis and reducing patient-reported sensation scores.
Methods
A total of 55 patients were randomized to receive BF on the medial or lateral breast. BF was
applied twice weekly during treatment. Skin toxicity was evaluated weekly by a blinded clinical
investigator using the Skin Toxicity Assessment Tool (STAT) and the modified Radiation
Therapy Oncology Group Visual Assessment Score (RTOG VAS). On day one, baseline
photographs were taken; seven-to-ten days post-treatment, patients returned for photographs,
the STAT/RTOG VAS, and patient-opinion questions in the form of the global questionnaire.
Results
The paired analysis found BF did not significantly reduce dermatitis either during or posttreatment.
However, the unpaired analysis found significantly reduced RTOG VAS on the lateral
compartment during treatment (BF:0.91 vs. Control:1.21, p = 0.0408). This difference resolved
post-treatment. Additionally, BF was able to reduce pruritus (p = 0.047) on the medial
components and burning sensations on the lateral components (p = 0.035). There was no
significant difference between the time-to-onset or proportion of patients who developed
grade-two dermatitis.
Conclusion
In an unpaired analysis, BF significantly reduced dermatitis on the lateral compartment during
treatment. Additionally, BF significantly reduced pruritus and burning sensations. A larger
study using a more reliable scoring method is required to clarify the effect of BF on radiationassociated
skin toxicity.
Keywords
- breast cancer,
- dermatitis,
- skin,
- barrier,
- radiation
Disciplines
Publication Date
Summer June 3, 2019
DOI
DOI 10.7759/cureus.4807
Publisher Statement
open access
Citation Information
Andrew Lam, Edward Yu, Danielle Vanwynsberghe, Melissa O'Neil, et al.. "Phase III Randomized Pair Comparison of a Barrier Film vs. Standard Skin Care in Preventing Radiation Dermatitis in Postlumpectomy Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Radiation Therapy" Cureus Vol. 11 Iss. 6 (2019) p. e4807 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/edwardyu/116/