Results and side effects of dermatologic radiotherapy: A retrospective study of irradiated cutaneous epithelial neoplasms

Background: Ionizing radiation therapy has a well-defined role among several therapeutic options available for the management of cutaneous neoplasms. However, many dermatologists today are not aware of its potential. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy in a large series of patients with primary malignant epithelial neoplasms (PMENs), who had been subjected to radiotherapy between 1982 and 1995. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 1188 patients with a total of 2002 PMENs that had been treated by contact, superficial, and intermediate x-ray therapy. Results: Complete remission was obtained in 98.7% of the irradiated lesions. The 5-year cure rate was 90.73%. Cosmetic results were evaluated as 'good' or 'acceptable' in 84.01% of the treated lesions. Acute complications occurred in 1.94% and chronic complications in 0.34%. To date, neither radio-induced skin neoplasms nor late stochastic effects have been observed. Conclusion: This study confirms that dermatologic radiotherapy is an effective and reliable form of treatment of PMENs and has a favorable cure rate/toxicity ratio.