Clinical factors affecting the determination of radiotherapy-induced radiotoxicity in breast cancer

LACUNZA, E; GÜERCI, AM; CORDOBA, ELISA EUGENIA

Radiation Oncology Journal

Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine

Año: 2021

2234-1900

Purpose: Radiotherapy is essential for the treatment of breast cancer. However, adverse effects may occur in healthy tissue, during treatment and even after several months. Although it is known that this clinical radiosensitivity is multifactorial, the factors involved are unknown yet. In this study, we evaluated the effect of these factors on the development of radiodermatitis in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Material and methods: Demographic and lifestyle data collected during face-to-face interviews of 122 BC patients and data from clinical records were investigated. Most patients underwent conventional 3D RT treatment. A total dose of 50Gy was administered (2Gy/day), followed by a boost in a tumor bed with a total dose of 18Gy (2Gy/day). Radiotoxicity was evaluated weekly using the RTOG classification system (range, 0 to 4, according to the severity). Results: 75.4% of patients presented acute skin toxic effects with different degrees of severity. In 25% of cases, these effects manifested at the end of the fourth week at a cumulative dose of 40Gy. The association of grade ≥2 acute skin reactions with body mass index and breast size and between grade 3-4 and age was positive compared with controls. However, the role of the other factors could not be confirmed. Conclusions: Analysis of the factors related to individual radiosensitivity suggests that age, BMI and breast size play an important role in the development of acute skin toxicity during treatment. Particular attention to patients who present these characteristics would help to control treatment effectiveness and therefore optimize their quality of life.