Evidence-based summary of the prevention and management of radiation dermatitis in patients with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE

Up to now there is a lack of research to summarize the relevant evidence for radiation dermatitis (RD) management in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the best evidence for the prevention and management of RD in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

According to the "6S" evidence pyramid model, all major databases were searched from January 2018 to February 2024: UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Guidelines International Network, MedSci, Yi Maitong Guidelines, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Oncology Nursing Society, Radiology Assistant database, Society and College of Radiographers, Australian JBI Evidence-Based Health Care Center database, Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wangfang Data, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese Biology Medicine, etc.

RESULTS

A total of 22 articles which met the inclusion criteria were included in the study, comprising six guidelines, nine systematic reviews, four evidence summaries, one clinical decision, one expert consensus, and one randomized controlled trial. We summarized 35 pieces of evidence across four aspects: influence factor, evaluation and monitoring, prevention and treatment, care and health education.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a comprehensive summary of the best evidence for the prevention and management of RD in patients with breast cancer. It is recommended that subsequent evidence transformation should be conducted based on specific clinical circumstances to standardize the process of clinical prevention and management of RD.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This study was registered at the Fudan University Center for Evidence-Based Nursing (Registration No. ES20244311).