Laser Therapy for the Prevention of Radiodermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients

Low-level Laser Therapy as a Tool for the Prevention of Radiodermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients

Up to 90% of the radiotherapy patients will develop a certain degree of skin reaction at the treated area, also known as radiodermatitis (RD).

Currently, there is a wide variety of strategies to manage RD, including creams, gels, ointments, wound dressings. However, up to now, there is still no comprehensive, evidence-based consensus for the treatment of RD. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a promising, non-invasive technique for treating RD. In a recent pilot study conducted in our research group, LLLT prevented the aggravation of RD and provided symptomatic relief in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer after breast-sparing surgery. This pilot study was the first prospective study investigating the potential of LLLT for RD. In the current study, we want to investigate the efficacy of LLLT as a tool for the prevention of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of non-invasive (stage 0) or invasive (stage 1, 2 and 3A) breast adenocarcinoma
• Treatment with primary breast-sparing surgery (lumpectomy) and/or neoadjuvant (preoperative) or adjuvant (postoperative) chemotherapy or hormonal therapy
• Scheduled for postoperative radiotherapy with standard technique (isocentric) and fractionation regime (i.e. 25 daily fractions of 2 Gray to the whole breast followed by a boost of 8 fractions of 2 Gray to the tumor bed, 5/week)
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous irradiation to the same breast
• Metastatic disease
• Concurrent chemotherapy
• Required use of bolus material to deliver radiotherapy (i.e. material placed on the to- be-irradiated zone to modulate the delivered dose in order the ensure an optimal distribution of the radiation dose; mostly used for treatment of superficial tumors)