Prospective audit showing improved patient-assessed skin toxicity with use of betamethasone cream for those at high risk of radiation dermatitis

Sara C Erridge; Marie McCabe; Mandy K Porter; Patricia Simpson; Alison L Stillie

doi:10.1016/j.radonc.2016.07.005

Prospective audit showing improved patient-assessed skin toxicity with use of betamethasone cream for those at high risk of radiation dermatitis

Radiother Oncol. 2016 Oct;121(1):143-147. doi: 10.1016/j.radonc.2016.07.005. Epub 2016 Jul 14.

Authors

Sara C Erridge¹, Marie McCabe², Mandy K Porter², Patricia Simpson², Alison L Stillie²

Affiliations

¹ Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom; University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom.

PMID: 27427381
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2016.07.005

Abstract

This audit was conducted before and after introduction of a risk-based skincare policy with prophylactic steroids recommended for those at high risk. Comparison of the two cohorts confirmed results seen in trials with significant reduction in redness, itch, discomfort, sleep disturbance, and use of analgesia with the addition of steroids.

Keywords: Radiation dermatitis; Skin; Steroids.

MeSH terms

Administration, Topical
Betamethasone / administration & dosage*
Cohort Studies
Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
Humans
Neoplasms / radiotherapy
Prospective Studies
Radiodermatitis / drug therapy*
Radiodermatitis / prevention & control*

Substances

Glucocorticoids
Betamethasone