Surgical excision followed by postoperative radiation therapy is an accepted modality to prevent keloid recurrence. 

A new study published in Advances in Radiation Oncology aimed to assess the outcome of using electron beam radiation postoperatively, to prevent keloid recurrence.

The retrospective study analyzed 22 patients with 40 keloids treated postoperatively with electron beam radiation, from 2014-2019. Electron beam radiation was used for treatment in all cases, and radiation was initiated within 24 hours of surgery. A dose of 20 Gy in 5 fractions was delivered to the postoperative scar in 95% of the sites, and 8 Gy to 10 Gy in a single fraction was delivered to the remaining 5%.

It was found that at a mean follow-up of 35 months, local control and cosmesis were achieved in 90% of the treated sites with electron beam radiation therapy – delivered at a dose of 20 Gy in 5 fractions. All recurrent keloids were located on the anterior chest wall over the sternum. Moreover, no difference in outcome was detected based on age, sex or keloid length.

It was concluded that electron beam radiation therapy is a feasible, convenient and safe modality for postoperative treatment of keloids, and renders excellent local control with no severe toxicity.

Source: Advances in Radiation Oncology. 2020 Oct 21;6(2):100596. doi: 10.1016/j.adro.2020.10.009.