Management of acute radiation dermatitis: A review of the literature and proposal for treatment algorithm

Abstract

Radiation dermatitis is a common sequela of radiation therapy; up to 95% of patients will develop moderate-to-severe skin reactions. No criterion standard currently exists for the treatment of acute radiation-induced skin toxicity. It is therefore imperative to develop a greater understanding of management options available to allow clinicians to make informed decisions when managing radiation oncology patients. This literature review discusses the topical agents that have been studied for the treatment of acute radiation dermatitis, reviews their mechanisms of action, and presents a treatment algorithm for clinicians managing patients experiencing radiation dermatitis.

Keywords: aloe vera; ascorbic acid; calendula; catechins; chamomile; corticosteroids; dermatitis; epidermal growth factor; granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor; hyaluronic acid; management; pantothenic acid; prevention; radiation; radiation dermatitis; radiation oncology; radiation-induced skin toxicity; radiotherapy; silver clear nylon dressing; silver sulfadiazine; statins; steroids; sucralfate; topical; topical agents; treatment; trolamine; washing; β-sitosterol.