None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Radiation therapy of the breast aims to eradicate all possible remaining tumour cells and, in addition, can cause skin reactions, varying from a slight reddening of the skin to itching, cracking, blistering or peeling, leaving the underlying tissues exposed. Although there are several ways to manage radiation-induced skin reactions, there is currently no standard protocol in New Zealand. A promising new range of Swedish silicon-foam skin dressings, (Mepilex Lite, Molnlycke), is currently in use in many hospitals in New Zealand for the treatment of burns. This project aims to investigate the cooling effects of the dressings on radiation-induced skin reactions in 40 women undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer in Dunedin Hospital. When reddening of the skin is seen, several parts of the irradiated breast area will be covered with dressings, whilst the other parts will be treated with a moisturizing cream. Skin condition will be assessed three times a week for the duration of treatment, as well as 1 and 4 weeks after treatment has been completed, using an established skin assessment scale, digital photographs and heat measurements.
Interventions
Mepilex Lite dressings consist of a thin flexible foam with silicon webbing which does not react with chemicals in and on the skin. The dressings will be used to cover parts of skin that shows signs of radiation-induced skin reactions (mild erythema). Progression from mild to severe erythema and to dry desquamation will be monitored and compared to parts of the irradiated skin that is treated with standard skin care (in-patient controls).
The dressings will be applied from the moment erythema is
Mepilex Lite dressings consist of a thin flexible foam with silicon webbing which does not react with chemicals in and on the skin. The dressings will be used to cover parts of skin that shows signs of radiation-induced skin reactions (mild erythema). Progression from mild to severe erythema and to dry desquamation will be monitored and compared to parts of the irradiated skin that is treated with standard skin care (in-patient controls). The dressings will be applied from the moment erythema is seen (usually 2 weeks into the 5 week treatment). They will be replaced weekly for the duration of the treatment and for four weeks after treatment has been completed.
Sponsors
University of Otago, Wellington
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Other
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
All women that are having radiation therapy for breast cancer and have not had a previous radical mastectomy at Dunedin Hospital;, Department of Oncology (Radiation Therapy)
Exclusion criteria
Women who have had a previous radical mastectomy are excluded from this trial
Outcome results
None listed