Electron beam therapy. Its effect on eccrine gland function in mycosis fungoides patients

Abstract

An observed clinical side effect of total skin surface electron beam therapy is the patient's inability to perspire. An evaluation of eccrine sweat gland function was performed, utilizing acetylcholine chloride and a silicone impression material. The patient's inability to sweat after therapy, and recovery within a three- to six-month period after therapy was demonstrated. This phenomenon should be appreciated by both the physician and the patient prior to electron beam therapy in order to avoid the potential complications of this condition.

Mycosis fungoides: radiation therapy

“…Most patients will also suffer temporary loss of fingernails and toenails 2–4 months following completion of therapy. Most patients report the inability to sweat properly for 6–12 months following therapy (34) and chronically dry skin thereafter, which requires the regular use of emolliation. In long‐term follow‐up, evidence for chronic radiation dermatitis is uncommon in our experience (35).…”

Literature review of clinical results of total skin electron irradiation (TSEBT) of mycosis fungoides in adults

“…Temporary loss of toe/finger nails, localized anhydrosis, rarely mild epistaxis, and parotiditis are some acute sides effects [18,49,50]. Persistent nail dystrophy, xerosis, telangiectasias, permanent partial alopecia, fingertip anesthesia, and possible infertility in male patients can appear as chronic effects [54,55]. Secondary cutaneous malignant diseases have been observed in patients treated with TSEBT, particularly in those exposed to multiples therapies [51,52].…”

Helical Irradiation of the Total Skin with Dose Painting to Replace Total Skin Electron Beam Therapy for Therapy-Refractory Cutaneous CD4+ T-Cell Lymphoma

“…Common acute toxicities from TSEBT include pruritus, dry desquamation, erythema, alopecia, xerosis, bullae of the feet, edema of the hands and feet, hypohidrosis [10], hyperpigmentation of the skin [7], phlyctenules [5], and loss of fingernails and toenails [11, 12]. Rare acute side effects include gynecomastia in men and mild epistaxis or parotitis [11].…”