Case-cohort study to determine the value of therapeutic touch in preventing radiation dermatitis.

Abstract

103 Background: Therapeutic touch (TT) is a noninvasive healing technique. There is evidence of value in various clinical areas, but not during radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer. The TT Cohort was designed to assess the acceptability, compliance, and side effects of TT. The Control Cohort was used compare the impact of TT in preventing radiation dermatitis. Methods: Early breast cancer patients scheduled to undergo post-conservative surgery RT were selected. TT was administered three times per week during RT. Feasibility was defined a priori as 15 of 17 patients completing all treatments. The effectiveness of TT was evaluated by the NCIC CTC V3 dermatitis scale and EORTC Cosmetic Rating. The quality of life (QOL), mood, and fatigue were assessed by EORTC QLQ C30, POMS, and BFI, respectively. These were assessed at baseline and weekly during treatment. Results: 17 stage I/II breast were prospectively identified for the TT Cohort and 31 patients were prospectively assessed in the Control Cohort. Median age was 63 years (47-79). TT was considered feasible as all 17 patients completed treatment. In the TT Cohort, the worst grade of radiation dermatitis was grade II in 9 patients. One patient did not develop any dermatitis. Median time to develop the worst grade was 20 days. QOL, mood and energy, and fatigue levels were consistent with the previous published studies. In the Control Cohort, the worst grade of radiation dermatitis was grade III in 1 patient. The most common toxicity grade was II in 15 patients. Three patients did not develop any dermatitis. Median time to develop the worst grade was 29 days. There was no statistical difference in the overall cosmetic score and grade II/III toxicity. There was a statistically significant difference in skin pigmentation and edema. Conclusions: This study represents the first evaluation of TT in patients with EBC using objective measures. TT is a feasible addition for the management of dermatitis to a tertiary clinic. TT neither improved overall cosmesis nor grade II/III toxicity.