DeCoP, a Dermatitis Control Program using a moderately absorbent surgical pad for head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy: a retrospective analysis

Objective: We evaluated the clinical characteristics of a Dermatitis Control Program based on a moderately absorbent surgical pad for head and neck cancer patients undergoing (chemo)radiotherapy.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent definitive radiotherapy or post-operative radiotherapy and were treated during radiotherapy with a Dermatitis Control Program using a moderately absorbent surgical pad from May 2011 through April 2012. The main protocol was the 'Dermatitis Control Program', a systematic program which consists of a three-step ladder. When radiation dermatitis reached Grade 2, the irradiated area was covered with a moderately absorbent surgical pad. All outpatients and their families were instructed on how to cover and moisten the irradiated area. Radiation dermatitis was evaluated by physicians or nurses at an outpatient clinic and reviewed from photographs.

Results: A total of 116 head and neck cancer patients were treated by definitive or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy in our hospital from May 2011 through April 2012. Of these, 85 patients managed their dermatitis using a new device and they were reviewed. Fifty-five patients received chemoradiotherapy, of whom 22 received induction chemotherapy before chemoradiotherapy. Median radiation dose at the onset of Grade 2 dermatitis was 60.0 Gy (range 40-71.2 Gy). Median time to recover from the end of radiotherapy was 10.5 days (range 0-25 days). The rate of recovery from Grade 2 dermatitis within 2 weeks after the end of radiotherapy was 89.4%. The rate of Grade 3 dermatitis was 7.1, with 6.7% in radiotherapy and 7.3% in chemoradiotherapy.

Conclusions: This study suggests that the DeCoP protocol with a moderately absorbent surgical pad might be useful for the treatment of radiation dermatitis in clinical practice.