OBSERVATION OF RADIOTHERAPY RELATED ACUTE SIDE EFFECTS OCCURRENCE AND MANAGEMENT IN CANCER PATIENTS

Anmar Al-taie*, Aygül KöseoÄ?lu, Fikret V.Izzettin, Songül Tezcan, Tayf Alqozbakr, Atin Aksu

The aim of this study was to observe the most common radiotherapy related acute side effects and the effective modulating treatment of these side effects in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. A randomized retrospective study was carried out on 79 cancer patients admitted at the radiology unit. Radiotherapy related acute side effects and specific therapies were documented and assessed. The major acute side effect was diarrhea 82, 3%. While, 48, 5% of mucositis, and 62, 5% of skin reactions were managed by benzydamine mouth wash and dexpanthenol ointment respectively. A significant correlation observed between gender and skin reactions (males 55, 6%, females 83, 3%); previous chemotherapy with appetite loss (25%) and with metallic taste (60%). Concerning radiationapplied area, mucositis and stomatitis were significantly correlated with both thorax (39, 2%, 33, 1%), and head (31, 4%, 33, 1%) areas respectively. The occurrence of radiation related acute side effects indicates both the essentially for follow-up and the potential role of clinical pharmacist for better outcomes.