The Impact of BMI on the Incidence and Severity of Radiation Dermatitis on Patients Undergoing External Beam Radiotherapy: A Case Study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54450/saradio.2025.63.1.945

Keywords:

Body mass index, dark skinned

Abstract

It is known that over 90% of patients that are treated for various malignancies using external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) are exposed to radiation induced dermatitis (RID). Previous studies on breast cancer have reported positive association between body size and the severity of RID. In this study, a conservative population of 34 patients undergoing EBRT for cancers of the head and neck, abdomen, chest, extremities and pelvis was observed for RID. Observed skin reactions were evaluated weekly using a Wold Health Organisation (WHO) scoring instrument. The  patients’ body mass index (BMI) was measured before they commenced treatment. All were given the same skin care instructions. In all the observed regions of the body, a positive association between the incidence and severity of radiation dermatitis was observed. Improvements in EBRT patients’ habits and practices towards reduced skin RID are recommended alongside implementation of more skin sparing techniques by service providers of EBRT. Further research may explore radiation interaction processes that are predominant in fatty tissue in the order to mitigate the effects.

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Published

2025-05-30

Issue

Vol. 63 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Case Reports

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