Radiation-induced skin reactions: mechanism and treatment

Abstract

Jinlong Wei,1 Lingbin Meng,2 Xue Hou,1 Chao Qu,1 Bin Wang,1 Ying Xin,3 Xin Jiang1 1Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; 2Department of Internal Medicine, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL 32803, USA; 3Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China Abstract: Radiotherapy (RT) is a major treatment for malignant tumors. The latest data show that >70% of patients with malignant tumors need RT at different periods. Skin changes can be experienced by up to 95% of patients who underwent RT. Inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) have been shown to be generally associated with radiation-induced skin reactions (RISRs). Inflammatory response and OS interact and promote each other during RISRs. Severe skin reactions often have a great impact on the progress of RT. The treatment of RISRs is particularly critical because advanced RT technology can also lead to skin reactions. RISRs are classified into acute and chronic reactions. The treatment methods for acute RISRs include steroid treatment, creams, ointments, and hydrocolloid dressings, depending on the reaction grading. Chronic RISRs includes chronic ulcerations, telangiectasias, and fibrosis of the skin, and advanced ­treatments such as mesenchymal stem cells, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, superoxide dismutase, and low-intensity laser therapy can be considered. Here, we review and summarize the ­important mechanisms that cause RISRs as well as the standard and advanced treatments for RISRs. Keywords: radiation-induced skin reactions, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, treatment

Keywords

• Radiation-induced skin reactions
• inflammatory response
• oxidative stress
• treatment