Laser therapy as a treatment for chronic radiation fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Chronic radiation fibrosis (CRF) is a long-term sequala of radiation therapy that has a significant impact on patient quality of life. There is no standard of care or single therapeutic modality that has been found to be consistently effective.

Objective: To describe our experience using fractional 10,600 nm carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) laser therapy and vascular laser therapy in a series of patients with CRF.

Methods: Patients presenting to the dermatology service for CRF were evaluated for laser therapy eligibility. Patients were eligible if they had a clinical diagnosis of CRF confirmed by physical examination.

Results: We identified five patients with CRF treated with fractional ablative CO₂ laser and vascular laser. Patients were a median age of 57 years old, and the amount of time between the initiation of radiotherapy and laser treatment ranged between 3 months and 40 years. The satisfactory response was achieved in all cases.

Limitations: Lack of standardized laser protocol, small sample size, lack of a control group, different anatomical locations CONCLUSION: Fractional ablative and vascular laser therapy may serve as an additional treatment for CRF, leading to functional improvements.

Keywords: KTP laser; cancer therapy sequelae; chronic radiation fibrosis; fractional CO2 laser; radiation dermatitis.

Figure 1

Dyspigmentation, hypertrophic scarring, and atrophy of the neck and chin following radiation for a squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Figure 2

Contractures of the skin, dyspigmentation, and substantial radiation fibrosis surrounding the left axilla following lumpectomy, mastectomy, and radiation therapy for a left breast cancer.