Risk factors associated with acute radiodermatitis among cancer patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2025.50.15836Keywords:
Radiotherapy, Oncology, Risk Factors, Skin, RadiodermatitisAbstract
Aim: Cutaneous radiotoxicity occurs due to damage caused by the generation of free-radicals and reactive oxygen species in fast-dividing cells in the basal layer and dermis. Exposure to radiation also leads to impairment of the barrier function of the epidermis. The aim is therefore to carry out a global assessment of cancer patients undergoing external RT, exploring other patient-related factors that may be associated with the occurrence of radiodermatitis after this treatment. The aim is therefore to identify the risk factors associated with acute radiodermatitis in cancer patients. Method: This is a cross-sectional study, of the survey type, carried out in accordance with the Checklist Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. Result: It was identified that patients on continuous medication for the treatment of other comorbidities have a 2.3-fold increase in the chance of radiodermatitis. Another relevant finding in this investigation was that being overweight increased the chance of this outcome by 4.7 times. Smoking, in turn, is a factor associated with severe skin reactions, as chronic exposure to tobacco hinders the skin's healing process and causes changes in the physiology of systems, including the skin. Conclusion: Finally, the risk factors identified should be part of the clinical assessment of patients who will undergo or are undergoing radiotherapy for cancer treatment.
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