Clinical Assessment of Acute Skin Reactions after Post-Mastectomy Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients

Dr. Maitri Gandhi, Dr. U. Suryanarayana

Abstract: Radiation induced dermatitis is very common in patients of breast cancer treated with radiotherapy. We assessed 48 patients treated with radiotherapy at Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute after modified radical mastectomy for skin reactions, immediately after the completion of 50Gy/ 25# of radiation therapy. Grading of acute skin reaction was done according to the RTOG Grading System. Grade 1 reaction was observed in 79 % of patients, and Grade 2 reaction was observed in 6 % of the patients. No change in skin, that is grade 0, was found in 15 % of patients. None of the patients had Grade 3/4 reactions. We identified that quality of life of the patient is impaired due to pain caused by the radiation reactions, and hence patient education is an important part of the management. Acute skin toxicities may lead to interruption in the treatment protocol leading to compromise in effect of radiation.

Keywords: breast cancer, radiotherapy, acute skin toxicity, grading