Management of Radiodermatitis in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Given the worldwide prevalence of head and neck cancer and the importance of scientifically based treatment, current studies are discussing innovative strategies for the treatment of radiodermatitis. This review adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute's nine-step methodological framework for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. We searched eight databases: Web of Science, Science Direct, Scientific Electronic Library Online, CAPES Catalog of Theses and Dissertations, Elsevier's Scopus, Wiley Online Library, PubMed Central, and Cochrane Library. Data collection occurred in March 2024. A final sample of 21 articles was selected. The research question was formulated using the “Population, Concept and Context” framework. This led to the specific question: “What are the strategies identified in the literature used in the management of radiodermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy?” The included studies were published between 2011 and 2024, with China being the leading producer of articles. Clinical trials were the predominant study design. Scales were frequently used to assess various aspects of radiodermatitis. The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria were commonly used. Several topical agents for preventing radiodermatitis were evaluated, including pharmacological therapies, phototherapy/photobiomodulation, and dressings. Numerous topical agents have been clinically tested for the treatment and prevention of radiodermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer. However, the current body of research is insufficient in both quantity and quality to conclusively support or refute the widespread approval of any specific product.