06 May Bacterial Decolonization Reduced Radiation Dermatitis in Patients with Nasal Staphylococcus aureus

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. McLellan

Beth McLellan, M.D.
Chief, Division of Dermatology
Montefiore Medical Center
Albert Einstein College of Medicine

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How is the decolonization initiated and maintained?

Response: We were interested in exploring whether bacteria on the skin plays a role in radiation dermatitis like it does in other skin diseases that cause a breakdown in the skin barrier. We used a bacterial decolonization regimen that includes chlorhexidine 2% cleanser for the body and mupirocin 2% ointment to the inside of the nose for 5 consecutive days before starting radiation therapy and repeated for an additional 5 days every other week for the duration of radiation.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response:  We found that patients who have Staphylococcus aureus in their nose before they start radiation therapy for cancer, are more likely to develop grade 2-3 radiation dermatitis vs grade 0-1 dermatitis. Further, we found that using a bacterial decolonization regimen prior to and during radiation therapy prevents moist desquamation and decreases severity of radiation dermatitis in people with breast cancer.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: We should consider incorporating bacterial decolonization as a strategy to prevent radiation dermatitis and consider the role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of radiation dermatitis. 

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: Further research is needed to explore the role of the entire skin microbiome in radiation dermatitis and how can we use therapies that target the harmful skin bacteria.

I have no relevant disclosures

Citation:

Kost Y, Deutsch A, Mieczkowska K, et al. Bacterial Decolonization for Prevention of Radiation Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol. Published online May 04, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.0444
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2804692

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Last Updated on May 6, 2023 by Marie Benz