Radiation therapy is a common part of the treatment protocol for the majority of breast cancer patients in the province. It involves using targeted high – energy radiation to destroy tumor cells. The number of treatments required is specific to each patient’s individual cancer. The goal of radiation treatment is to cure cancer, reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence or manage symptoms such as pain.
Radiation treatment, however, comes with its own unique complications. These include radiation dermatitis, which presents as blistering/peeling, erythema (redness), pigmentation (skin discolouration) and edema (swelling). Also, radiation induced fibrosis, which is when soft elastic tissue in the radiation field, specifically skin, connective tissue, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and the lymphatic system, become stiff and tight. Both of these conditions have been shown to impact patients’ quality of life throughout and after radiation treatment, in that they can cause pain and discomfort as well as cosmetic and functional impairments. In severe cases, patients’ treatment may need to be temporarily delayed until these conditions resolve.
Recent research, both nationally and internationally, has been studying the outcomes of patients who use Mepitel ® film (MF) throughout and after radiation treatment versus standard protocol. MF is a silicone based polyurethane film that is transparent and breathable, to provide optimal comfort and wound healing for patients. It is showerproof and uses Safetac ® technology, which does not adhere to the moist wound bed, reducing pain and trauma in the area.
A recent study entitled, ‘Mepitel Film for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer: a randomized multi-centre open – label phase 3 trial’ (2023), concluded that MF significantly reduced the incidence of moderate to severe radiation dermatitis in patients with a mastectomy or large breasts from 45.6% to 15.5% when compared to current institutional standard care. Patients reported less tenderness, discomfort, pain and burning sensations. Patients and healthcare providers noted less blistering/peeling, redness, skin discolouration and edema.
Current clients of Flow have had positive experiences with Mepitel film and highly recommend its use for all appropriate breast cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. Client feedback includes “Mepitel film was very comforting and soothing to the skin as I went through radiation treatment. It helped to prevent my clothes from rubbing on the sensitive areas. I heard about the protectiveness of Mepitel from my plastic surgeon and after doing my own research it was the best money I spent to protect my sensitive skin”. Also,
“the film was incredibly comfortable and easy to care for, providing a protective barrier that saved my skin from major radiation dermatitis. While I did experience a few minor spots of irritation, they cleared up quickly. I can only imagine how much worse it could have been without the film’s protection. The Mepitel film played a crucial role in my treatment, and my hope is that others facing similar challenges can benefit from this knowledge. To anyone preparing for radiation therapy, I cannot recommend Mepitel film highly enough. It was a game-changer for me, and I believe it can make a significant difference for others as well”.
Our physiotherapist at Flow, will now be offering radiation prep appointments. Please note that you must receive medical clearance from your radiation oncologist to proceed with Mepitel film use throughout and after your radiation treatment. If you have any further questions about Mepitel film use or Flow’s new ‘radiation prep appointment’, feel free to contact out physiotherist directly at joanna@lymphysio.ca to discuss whether this service is appropriate for you.
Picture Source:
1 – https://www.molnlycke.ca/products-solutions/mepitel-film/
2 – https://www.molnlycke.ca/our-knowledge/prevention-and-treatment-of-radiation-skin-reactions/