Assessment of Keloid Recurrence Following Electron Beam Radiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Keloids are progressive dermal pseudo-tumors characterized by local fibroblast proliferation and overproduction of collagen, commonly found in dark skin. Keloid therapy poses significant issues in dermatology and surgery due to its notably high rate of recurrence. Many parameters (patients’ and machine related) were involved in the radiotherapy management of patients living with keloid but their contributions to keloids recurrence remain unknown. Aim: This study assesses respective contributions of some of these parameters to keloids recurrence in patients managed with Electron Beam Radiotherapy. Methodology: Questionnaires were used to obtain patients’ related parameters from 30 patients with keloids, who were managed at MEDSERVE-LUTH Cancer Centre, Idi-Araba Lagos state, Nigeria. Other relevant parameters for the study were retrieved from the Cancer Centre’s database. All data were analyzed with SPSS 21.0. Results: The highest recurrence rate was observed in patients who received a very low-dose regimen namely 8 Gy in 4 fractions and 5 Gy in a single fraction. The effect of steroid injections administered on some patients in a bid to curb recurrence was not significant. Conclusion: Keloids recurrence is dependent on multiple factors ranging from prescription dose, surgical excision technique, applied electron beam energy, administration of adjunct therapies, patient’s biological predisposition and follow-up patterns.