title: Retrospective analysis of treatment of unresectable keloids with primary radiation over 25 years.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Princess Norah Oncology Centre, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. kamal_malaker@hotmail.com
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Malaker
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vijayraghavan
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hodson
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Al Yafi
mesh_terms: 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