Page 38 - APPENDIX B: Trials Investigating the Management of Acute Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions Reading Qualitative Research

38
WOUND CARE

Diggelmann et al. (2010) performed the first systematic inpatient controlled clinical trial

using Mepilex® Lite dressings for the management of radiation-induced erythema in breast

cancer patients treated with radiation therapy. In order to verify dose build-up or bolus effect, a

series of measurements in a white water phantom were conducted to determine the effect of

Mepilex® Lite dressings on the actual dose received. According to the authors Mepilex® Lite

dressings have no effect on skin temperature; the dressings cause a very small bolus effect of 0.5

mm. and decrease the extent of radiation induced erythema. However, for the sake of

consistency all dressings were removed prior to treatment. The end point of the trial was dry

desquamation and skin assessments or measurements for the study were stopped at that point and

therefore the effects of Mepilex® Lite dressing over the full scale of skin reaction is unclear.

This study provides relevant findings, but does not address the topic for this thesis as the clinical

effect when Mepilex® Lite dressing might be left in place on patients during the radiation

treatment has not been presented.

Perez, Medina, Perez, and Garcia (2011) conducted an observational study (n=20) to

validate the efficacy of a radiodermatitis management protocol using Mepilex® Lite. Though

the study concluded that using Mepilex® Lite significantly reduced the discomfort arising from

radiodermatitis, shortened wound healing times and improved patient’s quality of life, it is

unclear if the dressings were left in place during radiation. Limitations of the study include a

non-comparative design and a small sample size.

A recent presentation by Bennett et al. (2013) at the Radiation Therapy conference

(March 1-2, 2013) reported the effect of Mepilex® Lite dressings in comparison to aqueous

cream on the full range of skin reactions in 74 breast cancer patients post mastectomy.

According to the authors, Mepilex® Lite dressings reduce all aspects of radiation induced skin