BRACHYTHERAPY IN THE ELDERLY FOR NON-MELANOMA SKIN CARCERS:A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE
PO-2184
Abstract
BRACHYTHERAPY IN THE ELDERLY FOR NON-MELANOMA SKIN CARCERS:A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE
Authors: BIANCA SANTO1, Maria Cristina Barba2, Elisa Cavalera3, Elisa Ciurlia2, Paola De Franco2, Giuseppe Di Paola2, Sara De Matteis2, Corradino Federico4, Angela Leone2, Antonella Papapleo2, Donatella Russo2
1Vito Fazzi Hospital , Radiation Oncology Department, LECCE, Italy; 2Vito Fazzi Hospital, Radiation Oncology Department, LECCE, Italy; 3Vito Fazzi Hospital, Radiation Oncology Department, LECCE, Italy; 4University of Naples “Federico II", Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Naples, Italy
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Purpose or Objective
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common malignancy worldwide, of which 99% are basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of skin. Mainstays of treatment remain surgery and radiotherapy, particularly in older patients (≥70 years old). High dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT), seems to be an excellent option for NMSC.
Material and Methods
Between November 2011 and September 2022, we treated 16 patients for a total of forty-two lesions in aged patients with NMSC with HDR-BT. Patients underwent brachytherapy treatment for a total dose ranging from 30 to 40 Gy (10 Gy per fraction). Toxicities were recorded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events scale (CTCAE) v. 4.03.
Results
Median age was 83 years. Acute toxicity was recorded in all patients. Grade 1 erythema appeared in 12 cases (28.6%) and it was self-resolved with the application of eudermic cream in 10 days; Grade 2 erythema appeared in all 28 cases(66.7%). Towards the end of each treatment schedule, epidermolysis developed which was resolved within 3 weeks; Grade 3 skin toxicity apperars in 2 cases (4.8%) and was managed with dressings and close outpatient follow-up until complete resolution in 5 weeks. Late toxicity: Grade 1 skin atrophy and pigmentation changes in field were observed in all patients. At last follow-up, all patients were disease free.
Conclusion
Personalized HDR-BT appears to be safe for older patients and management of skin toxicity is manageable. Furthermore, the treatment of the lesions avoids the complications associated with the progression of the disease.