Prevention of skin reactions due to teletherapy in women with breast cancer: a comprehensive review

Abstract

One of the possible courses of cancer treatment is teletherapy, and one of the most important adverse side effects are skin reactions, an ailment more commonly called radiodermatitis. The main purpose of this study is to analyze knowledge of the evidence about topical products used in the prevention of radiodermatitis, to support care delivery to women with breast cancer during teletherapy. The research method used here is the comprehensive literature review. Four databases were used to select the bibliography. The sample consists of 15 articles. The data shows that, among the topical products analyzed here, Calendula, corticosteroids and Xclair have shown significant protective effects, underlining their actions. The lack of articles published in Brazil highlights the need for further research in this area, seeking better care quality through the use of products with scientifically proven efficiency. fundamente o cuidado em teleterapia direcionado a mulheres com câncer de mama. Adotouse como método de pesquisa a revisão integrativa da literatura. Para a seleção da bibliografia utilizaram-se quatro bases de dados. A amostra constitui-se de 15 artigos. Os dados demonstram que, dentre os produtos tópicos analisados, a calêndula, os corticoesteroides e o Xclair tiveram efeito protetor significante, destacando-se, assim, pelas suas ações. A ausência de artigos publicados no Brasil mostra a necessidade de mais pesquisas nessa área, visando a melhor qualidade na assistência a mulheres com câncer de mama, por meio da utilização de produtos com eficácia comprovada cientificamente.Descritores: Radiodermatite; Radioterapia; Neoplasias da Mama. Prevención de las reacciones en la piel debido a teleterapia en mujeres con cáncer de mama: revisión integradoraTeleterapia está entre las modalidades de tratamiento para el cáncer y uno de sus principales efectos adversos son reacciones de la piel, comúnmente llamado radiodermatitis. Este estudio objetivó analizar el conocimiento acerca de los productos tópicos utilizados para la prevención de la radiodermatitis que justifiquen la atención en teleterapia en mujeres con cáncer de mama. Se adoptó como método de investigación la revisión integradora de la literatura. Para la selección de los artículos se utilizaron cuatro bases de datos. La muestra fue constituida por 15 artículos. Los datos muestran que entre los productos tópicos analizados la caléndula, esteroides y Clair X tuvo un efecto protector significativo, destacando así por sus acciones. La ausencia de artículos publicados en Brasil se centra en la necesidad de seguir investigando para mejorar la calidad de la atención mediante el uso de productos con una eficacia científicamente probada.Descriptores: Radiodermatitis; Radioterapia; Neoplasias de la Mama.

Usage of Calendula officinalis in the prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial

“…A blind randomized study with 254 women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer compared the usage of calendula (126 patients) with Trolamine® (128 patients) and found that the incidence of radiodermatitis grade 1 and 2, as well as local pain and discontinuation of treatment, were lower in patients who had used Calendula (1) . This result was presented in other studies (12)(13)(14)(15)(16) , which indicated Calendula as a product with a significant protective effect on radiodermatitis.…”

Collagen Type III Metabolism Evaluation in Patients with Malignant Head and Neck Cancer Treated with Radiotherapy

“…Damage to normal tissue is defined as radiation-induced reaction. Radiation dermatitis is estimated to affect 80–95% of patients undergoing radiotherapy [ 5 , 6 ], while the head and neck region, next to the breast and perineal area, is particularly prone to radiation-induced skin reactions [ 7 ]. As a result of the treatment with ionizing radiation of head and neck cancers, damage is done to the skin of the face, neck, and décolleté, which are areas generally conditioning the aesthetics.…”

Gel of chamomile vs. urea cream to prevent acute radiation dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer: a randomized controlled trial

“…) or require stopping the treatment while the person heals (Andrade et al . , Harris et al . , O'Donovan et al .…”

“…These reactions produce pain, local discomfort and pruritus, with consequent reduction of quality of life (McQuestion 2011). In some cases, the cutaneous reaction might limit the therapeutic dose (McQuestion 2011, Harris et al 2012 or require stopping the treatment while the person heals (Andrade et al 2012, Harris et al 2012, O'Donovan et al 2015, jeopardizing the result of the radiotherapy (Harris et al 2012).…”