Bolderston, A., Lloyd, N.S., Wong, R.K.S., Holden, L., Robb-Blenderman, L., & Supportive Care Guidelines Group. (2005). The prevention and management of acute skin reactions related to radiation therapy: A clinical practice guideline (Practice Guidelines Report #13-7). Toronto, Canada: Cancer Care Ontario. Retrieved from https://www.cancercare.on.ca/common/pages/UserFile.aspx?fileId=34406.
To develop practice guidelines answering two questions:
Databases searched were PreMEDLINE, MEDLINE, CANCERLIT, and Cochrane Library between January 1980 and April 2004. The name of the initiative was the Cancer Care Ontario’s Program in Evidence-Based Care. The method used was the practice guidelines development cycle. Articles were included based on rigorous inclusion criteria (meta-analysis, systematic reviews, evidence-based practice guidelines, comparative studies, prospectively collected data in at least one trial arm, studies with reported outcomes—degree of skin reaction [using a validated skin reaction tool] and other outcomes reported and articles available as published articles or abstract reports). Exclusion criteria were also identified.
The systematic review included interprofessional members from the Supportive Care Guidelines Group of Cancer Care Ontario and the Program in Evidence-Based Care, an internationally recognized program at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
No conflict of interest was identified.
A systematic review of 28 clinical trials was included in analyses; 23 pertained to prevention and 5 addressed management of skin reactions. Two practice guides were reviewed: Oncology Nursing Society and British Columbia Cancer Agency (expert opinion and consensus).
A table of clinical studies presented study descriptions and outcomes of the trials on prevention and management of skin reactions, pain, and itching.
The largest randomized trial compared calendula versus Biafine and was significant (p = 0.03) in reducing the severity of RT dermatitis.
Insufficient evidence existed to support or refute the use of
•Topical agents (corticosteroids, sucralfate cream, Biafine® (Ortho Dermatologics), ascorbic acid, aloe vera, chamomile cream, almond ointment, or polymer adhesive skin sealant)
•Oral agents (enzymes, sucralfate)
•Intravenous agents (amifostine)
Gentle skin and hair washing should be unrestricted in patients receiving RT. No barrier exists to using mild soap.
No trials answered the question on management.
Future Research:
Opinions of This Group: