16935 Fractional CO2 laser therapy as a treatment for radiation-induced fibrosis: A pilot study

Abstract

Radiation therapy is an effective cancer treatment; however, significant cutaneous adverse events can occur from the skin’s exposure to ionizing radiation. Chronic radiation dermatitis (CRD) can be a debilitating, disfiguring, and painful condition. Currently there are limited treatment options for CRD, and no criterion standard of care exists. In our clinical study we examine fibrosis, a manifestation of CRD, which can cause pain, functional impairment and decrease patients’ quality of life. Fractional laser therapy (FLT) has been shown to treat fibrosis associated with hypertrophic scars, leading to tissue repair. We hypothesized that FLT can also be used in the treatment of CRD to normalize the fibrotic process and induce normal skin remodeling. In this prospective pilot study (n = 22), each treatment site undergoes CO2 fractionated laser therapy and has an internal control not receiving the intervention. Subjects have a total of 3 laser treatments, and 3 follow-up visits 3-12 months after the last treatment. The SF-36 Health Survey and Skindex16 scales are subjective measures used to assess the impact of CRD on quality of life. Objective measurements include skin compliance, skin thickness, and erythema and pigmentation measured by the Derma Torque Meter, ultrasound, and DermaSpectrometer respectively. Currently, 10 subjects have enrolled in this study. Preliminary results show improved cosmesis, patient satisfaction and skin elasticity. While initial analysis indicates enhanced outcomes, we are conducting further research to determine the utility of fractional laser therapy in the treatment of chronic radiation dermatitis.