Cancer Treatment-Related Radiodermatitis
Recommendations
Among individuals receiving radiation therapy to the truncal/chest region, the ONS Guidelines panel suggests either deodorant/antiperspirant use plus standard washing/skincare regimen or standard washing/skincare regimen alone.
( Conditional , Very low)Remarks: This decision will be driven by the values and preferences of the patient. Education should include that antiperspirants/deodorant do not seem to cause harm, sweating is decreased, and the risk of grade 2 or 3 radiodermatitis is not increased.
Among individuals receiving radiation therapy for cancer, the ONS Guidelines panel recommends aloe vera and aloe vera formulations only in the context of a clinical trial.
(No recommendation; knowledge gap, )Among individuals receiving radiation therapy for cancer, the ONS Guidelines panel suggests against emu oil in addition to standard washing/skincare regimen.
( Conditional , Very low)Among individuals receiving radiation therapy for cancer, the ONS Guidelines panel recommends oral curcumin only in the context of a clinical trial.
(No recommendation; knowledge gap, )Among individuals with cancer receiving radiation therapy who have not yet presented with symptoms of radiodermatitis, the ONS Guidelines panel recommends standard washing and skincare regimen rather than topical nonsteroidal interventions to minimize or treat radiodermatitis.
( Strong , Moderate)Remarks: The evidence for this recommendation evaluated specialty topical interventions. General emollient creams and lotions are part of a standard washing and skincare regimen.
Among individuals receiving radiation therapy for cancer, the ONS Guidelines panel suggests against calendula in addition to a standard washing/skincare regimen to minimize the development of radiodermatitis.
( Conditional , Low)Among individuals receiving radiation therapy, the ONS Guidelines panel suggests semipermeable dressings plus standard washing/skincare regimen rather than standard washing/skincare regimen alone to minimize the development of radiodermatitis.
( Conditional , Low)(minimize development):
Among individuals with cancer receiving radiation therapy, the ONS Guidelines panel suggests topical steroids plus standard washing/skincare regimen rather than standard washing/skincare regimen alone for the minimization of radiodermatitis.
( Conditional , Low)(treatment of symptoms):
Among individuals with radiodermatitis symptoms (e.g., pain, itching), the ONS Guidelines panel suggests the addition of topical steroids to intact skin plus standard washing/skincare regimen rather than standard washing/skincare regimen alone.
( Conditional , Low)Remarks: Studies reported on topical steroid creams, both prescription and over the counter. If cost is a concern, the over-the-counter option is feasible. If coverage or availability are a concern, then available steroid cream is acceptable.
Recommendation Grading
Overview
Title
Cancer Treatment-Related Radiodermatitis
Authoring Organization
Oncology Nursing Society
Publication Month/Year
November 1, 2020
Last Updated Month/Year
August 16, 2023
Supplemental Implementation Tools
Document Type
Guideline
External Publication Status
Published
Country of Publication
US
Inclusion Criteria
Female, Male, Adult, Older adult
Health Care Settings
Ambulatory, Home health, Hospital
Intended Users
Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant
Scope
Management
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)
D011855 - Radiodermatitis
Keywords
radiation therapy, Clinical Guideline, Radiodermatitis
Source Citation
Gosselin, T., Ginex, P., Backler, C., Bruce, S., Hutton, A., Marquez, C., McGee, L., Shaftic, A. M., Suarez, L., Moriarty, K., Maloney, C., Vrabel, M., & Morgan, R. (2020). ONS GuidelinesTM for Cancer Treatment–Related Radiodermatitis. Oncology Nursing Forum, 47(6), 654–670. https://doi.org/10.1188/20.onf.654-670