Determining Molecular Drivers of Radiation Dermatitis

Determining Molecular Drivers of Radiation Dermatitis

This study is being conducted to address key gaps in current knowledge and set the stage for rational design of strategies to prevent (pre-exposure to radiation), mitigate (post-exposure to radiation before overt signs/symptoms appear), and/or treat (post-onset of signs/symptoms) radiation dermatitis (itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients receiving standard-of-care postoperative radiation therapy (2-2.7 Gy per fraction) to the breast and/or chest wall for breast cancer treatment.
• Tissue diagnosis of breast cancer.
• Age > 18 years
• Signed informed consent.
• Complete blood count within normal limits within the preceding 2 weeks.

Exclusion criteria:

• Induction chemotherapy or biologic therapy
• Concurrent chemotherapy or biologic therapy
• Autoimmune disease with skin manifestations - psoriasis, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, eczema, polymyositis
• Allergy to lidocaine anesthesia
• Known bleeding diathesis (anticoagulation with warfarin, coagulation/bleeding disorders, vitamin C or K deficiency, thrombocytopenia)
• History of keloids or easy scarring