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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