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Review
. 2005 Jun;2(2):112-27.
doi: 10.1111/j.1742-4801.2005.00079.x.

Radiotherapy and wound healing

Emma-Louise Dormand  1 , Paul E Banwell, Timothy E E Goodacre
Affiliations
Review

Radiotherapy and wound healing

Emma-Louise Dormand et al. Int Wound J. 2005 Jun.

Abstract

Radiotherapy is an invaluable weapon when treating cancer. However, the deleterious effects of radiation, both immediate and long-term, may have a significant effect on local tissues. Problematic wound healing in radiation-damaged tissue constitutes a major problem that is frequently overlooked during the management of patients who require radiotherapy, or have had radiotherapy in the past. Poor wound healing may lead to chronic ulceration, pain, secondary infection and psychological distress and compromise the outcome of general or reconstructive surgery. We discuss the pathophysiology of poor wound healing following radiotherapy, specific problems for radiation-damaged tissue and potential treatments to improve wound healing of irradiated tissues.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
DNA damage due to radiotherapy. Radiation induces single and double stranded DNA breaks and DNA strand cross‐linking. The cell may repair the damaged DNA or die by apoptosis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Exposed, infected cranial plate following radiation damage.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The resultant defect following radical debridement. A thin layer of granulation tissue covers the scarred dura mater of the brain.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The defect was reconstructed using microvascular surgery.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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MeSH terms