Retrospective analysis of treatment of unresectable keloids with primary radiation over 25 years.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to review retrospectively the role of primary radiotherapy for unresectable keloids.


METHODS
Kilovoltage X-rays and mega-voltage electron beams were used to irradiate large bulky unresectable keloids. A total of 3750 cGy was given in five once-weekly fractions, over a period of 5 weeks. Eighty-six keloids in 64 patients were treated between 1977 and 2002.


RESULTS
Ninety-seven per cent of this cohort had significant regression, and 3% had partial regression 18 months after completing radiotherapy. Both acute and long-term reactions were acceptable, and so far none of the patients have been reported as having cancer of any sort. Sixty-three per cent of the patients surveyed were very happy with the outcome of their treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Unresectable bulky symptomatic keloids can be satisfactorily treated with hypo-fractionated radiotherapy primarily using either kilovoltage X-rays or electron beams without significant short- or long-term side-effects.
Malaker
K
K
Princess Norah Oncology Centre, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. kamal_malaker@hotmail.com
Vijayraghavan
K
K
Hodson
I
I
Al Yafi
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007627:Keloid / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba / Q000453:epidemiology; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome