RTOG criteria to evaluate acute skin reaction and its risk factors in patients with breast cancer submitted to radiotherapy.

PURPOSE Evaluate and classify skin reactions through the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria and characterize factors that can intervene in these reactions. METHOD Prospective study, with 86 women submitted to adjuvant breast radiotherapy with a total dose of 5040cGy, in a 6 MeV Linear Accelerator. Personal data were collected and breast size was measured (distance between field separation and breast height). The treated skin area was evaluated weekly. RESULTS Breast height and treatment technique were significant factors in the univariate analysis for the incidence of degree 3 skin reactions. However, only breast height was a significant factor in the multivariate analysis for the severity of skin reactions. The chances of occurring degree 3 reactions increase 2.61 times for each increase in height unit (cm). These findings allow nurses to plan more adequate and individualized procedures for each patient and contribute to the optimization of treatment.