Retrospective analysis of treatment of unresectable keloids with primary radiation over 25 years.

AIMS

The purpose of the study was to review retrospectively the role of primary radiotherapy for unresectable keloids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Kilovoltage X-rays and mega-voltage electron beams were used to irradiate large bulky unresectable keloids. A total of 3750 cGy was given in five once-weekly fractions, over a period of 5 weeks. Eighty-six keloids in 64 patients were treated between 1977 and 2002.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven per cent of this cohort had significant regression, and 3% had partial regression 18 months after completing radiotherapy. Both acute and long-term reactions were acceptable, and so far none of the patients have been reported as having cancer of any sort. Sixty-three per cent of the patients surveyed were very happy with the outcome of their treatment.

CONCLUSION

Unresectable bulky symptomatic keloids can be satisfactorily treated with hypo-fractionated radiotherapy primarily using either kilovoltage X-rays or electron beams without significant short- or long-term side-effects.