Associations between breast radiation dermatitis and post-mastectomy pain syndrome in patients with breast cancer: A multicenter retrospective study

Yinpeng Ren; Ran Gao; Shuguang Zhang; Xiaoli Geng; Qingheng Yang; Liquan Ouyang; Ye Zhao; Jing Zhao; Hua Kang; Jing Wang

doi:10.1016/j.apjon.2024.100602

Associations between breast radiation dermatitis and post-mastectomy pain syndrome in patients with breast cancer: A multicenter retrospective study

Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs. 2024 Oct 5;11(12):100602. doi: 10.1016/j.apjon.2024.100602. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Authors

Yinpeng Ren^{1

2}, Ran Gao^{3

2}, Shuguang Zhang¹, Xiaoli Geng¹, Qingheng Yang⁴, Liquan Ouyang⁵, Ye Zhao¹, Jing Zhao¹, Hua Kang¹, Jing Wang²

Affiliations

¹ Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
² Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
³ Breast Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
⁴ Department of Breast Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
⁵ Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, Hubei, China.

Abstract

Objective: This study explores the relationship between breast radiation dermatitis (BRD) and post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) among patients with breast cancer. Both BRD and PMPS significantly impact quality of life, yet their correlation and risk factors require further investigation.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of 784 patients with breast cancer who underwent postoperative radiotherapy between 2017 and 2023. Clinical data on BRD and PMPS were collected through patient questionnaires and hospital records, examining risk factors and evaluating the prevalence of PMPS among those with BRD.

Results: BRD affected 81.25% of patients, with higher incidence among older and obese individuals. PMPS was observed in 23.4% of the BRD group versus 13.6% in non-BRD patients (P=0.009). Early BRD onset during radiotherapy (P=0.004) and larger dermatitis areas (P=0.000) were strongly associated with increased PMPS risk.

Conclusions: This study highlights the significant relationship between BRD and PMPS, underscoring the need for early interventions to manage BRD and reduce chronic pain risk. Tailored care strategies could improve outcomes for high-risk patients.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Breast radiation dermatitis; Multicenter study; Post-mastectomy pain syndrome.