ONS Guidelines Article

ONS Guidelines™ for Cancer Treatment–Related Radiodermatitis

Tracy Gosselin

Pamela K. Ginex

Chelsea Backler

Susan D. Bruce

Andrea Hutton

Carol M. Marquez

Lisa A. McGee

Anne Marie Shaftic

Lauren V. Suarez

Kerri Moriarty

Christine Maloney

Mark Vrabel

Rebecca L. Morgan

radiodermatitis, guidelines, GRADE, radiation therapy, symptom management
ONF 2020, 47(6), 654-670. DOI: 10.1188/20.ONF.654-670

Purpose: Radiodermatitis is a side effect of radiation therapy. Evidence-based interventions to minimize severity or delay progression are important for clinical care. This guideline intends to support individuals with cancer, clinicians, and others in decisions regarding radiodermatitis treatment.

Methodologic Approach: A panel of healthcare professionals with patient representation was convened to develop a national clinical practice guideline for the management of radiodermatitis. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine criteria for trustworthy guidelines were followed. The Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool was used, and certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. A quantitative and narrative synthesis of the evidence was completed.

Findings: The panel agreed on eight recommendations and made a conditional recommendation for deodorant/antiperspirant. Aloe vera and oral curcumin had knowledge gaps and were recommended only in the context of a clinical trial. The panel suggested against emu oil, calendula, and nonsteroidal interventions.

Implications for Nursing: This guideline summarizes evidence-based interventions for the management of radiodermatitis to guide clinical care.

Supplementary material can be found at https://bit.ly/2GEwJtT

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