Open AccessRadiation-Induced Skin Fibrosis
Author(s) -
Mimi R. Borrelli,
Abra H. Shen,
Gordon K. Lee,
Arash Momeni,
Michael T. Longaker,
Derrick C. Wan
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
annals of plastic surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1536-3708
pISSN - 0148-7043
DOI - 10.1097/sap.0000000000002098
Subject(s) - medicine , radiodermatitis , erythema , desquamation , radiation therapy , dermatology , soft tissue , adverse effect , fibrosis , surgery , pathology
Radiotherapy (RT) has become an indispensable part of oncologic treatment protocols for a range of malignancies. However, a serious adverse effect of RT is radiodermatitis; almost 95% of patients develop moderate to severe skin reactions following radiation treatment. In the acute setting, these can be erythema, desquamation, ulceration, and pain. Chronically, soft tissue atrophy, alopecia, and stiffness can be noted. Radiodermatitis can delay oncologic treatment protocols and significantly impair quality of life. There is currently a paucity of effective treatment options and prevention strategies for radiodermatitis. Importantly, recent preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that fat grafting may be of therapeutic benefit, reversing detrimental changes to soft tissue following RT. This review outlines the damaging effects of RT on the skin and soft tissue as well as discusses available treatment options for radiodermatitis. Emerging strategies to mitigate detrimental, chronic radiation-induced changes are also presented.