Skin toxicity during breast irradiation: pathophysiology and management.
Radiotherapy is a critical component in the treatment of breast cancer, a disease that is estimated to have affected 203,500 US women in 2002. According to the data from some series, an estimated 90% of patients treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer will develop a degree of radiation-induced dermatitis. This review describes the indications and techniques of radiotherapy for breast cancer. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and contributing factors of radiation-related skin injury are discussed. A review of recent clinical research addressing skin toxicity is provided.
Harper
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, 169 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC , USA. harrper@radonc.musc.edu
Franklin
Lynette E
LE
Jenrette
Joseph M
JM
Aguero
Eric G
EG
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012720:Severity of Illness Index