Abstract

Background AND ObjectiveS Radiation dermatitis occurs in a majority of patients with breast cancer who receive radiation therapy, causes significant pain, and may necessitate treatment delay. Light emitting diode photomodulation has been reported to minimize radiation dermatitis. This study sought to further evaluate the efficacy of LED photomodulation in lessening radiation dermatitis. MATERIALS & Methods After surgery, patients with breast cancer received LED photomodulation or sham treatments in conjunction with three-dimensional conformal RT. Reactions were evaluated using standardized photographs graded according to National Cancer Institute criteria. Results In the LED treatment group, no patients had grade 0 reactions, six had grade 1 reactions, 12 had grade 2 reactions, and none had a grade 3 reaction. In the sham treatment group, one patient had a grade 0 reaction, four had grade 1 reactions, 9 had grade 2 reactions, and one had a grade 3 reaction. Two patients in the LED treatment group and one in the control group had to interrupt treatment. Differences between groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion LED photomodulation did not reduce the incidence of radiation-induced skin reactions or interruptions in therapy. Funding was provided for this study through the Cutting Edge Research Grant, sponsored by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. The GentleWaves LED Select units were loaned for this study by Light BioScience © 2010 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.