Malignant and Radiogenic Wound - case study

Abstract

Background: A case study which is based on a patient with skin recurrence of breast cancer triple negative resistant to systemic treatment (4th line), proposed for palliative Radiotherapy/Chemotherapy concurrent. It was decided to apply a dressing of thin, flexible absorvent pad of polyurethane foam (Mepilex Transfer) for the treatment of RT to increase the radiation dose in malignant wound (bolus effect), with further evaluation of the wound and irradiated area.

Purpose: Evaluate the response of malignant wound of the thoracic wall to the treatment of external radiotherapy, since it was conducted using a dressing to cause bolus effect; evaluate whether the intact skin surrounding malignant wound shows early radiation dermatitis resulting from the application of the dressing.

Conclusions: Despite the use of the dressing to cause bolus effect, there was no development of early radiation dermatitis, there was considerable decrease in the size of malignant wound, odor and exudate decreased, and reduced the frequency of executing the treatment.