Clinically Significant Dermatitis During Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Invasive Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background/aim: Patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant radiotherapy may experience grade ≥2 dermatitis. In the Interreg-project HeAT, a mobile application (app) reminding patients to perform skin care will be prospectively tested with the goal of decreasing clinically significant radiation dermatitis. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of grade ≥2 dermatitis and risk factors, required for designing the prospective trial.

Patients and methods: In a retrospective study of 327 patients with breast cancer irradiated during 2022-2023, the prevalence of grade ≥2 dermatitis and 23 potential risk factors were investigated.

Results: The prevalence of grade ≥2 dermatitis was 31.2%. On multivariate analysis, it was significantly associated with chronic inflammatory disease (p=0.001), significant cardiovascular disease (p<0.001), smoking history >10 pack years (p<0.001), advanced T-stage (p=0.017), normo-fractionation (p<0.001), and radiation boost (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The prevalence of grade ≥2 dermatitis and independent risk factors during adjuvant radiotherapy for invasive breast cancer were identified that contribute to improved patient care and the design of a prospective trial.

Keywords: Breast cancer; adjuvant radiotherapy; independent risk factors; prevalence; radiation dermatitis.