The Efficacy of CT-Based Conformal Electron Beam Radiation Therapy After Keloid Excision

Abstract

BACKGROUND Adjuvant computed tomography–based conformal electron beam radiation therapy (RT) for patients with keloids enables radiation oncologists to customize the target volume with precision and deliver the maximal prescription dose while sparing normal surrounding tissues.

OBJECTIVE To report treatment and cosmetic outcomes by the patient's self-assessment survey.

METHODS Medical records of patients with keloids, who were treated with postoperative electron beam RT between January 2015 and December 2020, were reviewed. A total of 85 consecutive patients with 136 keloids were included in this study. Subjective cosmetic outcomes were scored by each patient using a 5-point Likert scale survey.

RESULTS The median follow-up time was 29.0 months (range, 12.1–77.9 months), and local recurrence was observed in 10 lesions (7.4%). The recurrence rate of keloids occurring in the ear was 5.4%, whereas the recurrence rate of keloids occurring at other body sites was 11.4%. Among the patients who responded to the questionnaire about the cosmetic outcome, 70.2% of patients declared being either very satisfied (44.7%) or satisfied (25.5%).

CONCLUSION Surgical excision, followed by CT-based conformal electron beam RT, for patients with keloids ensures a high degree of local control resulting in good cosmetic outcomes.