Associations of Age and Chemotherapy with Late Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Toxicity in a Hypofractionated Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Schedule in Post-mastectomy Breast Cancer Patients

Aim: This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the associations of age and two different types of chemotherapy regimens with late skin and subcutaneous tissue toxicities in an adjuvant hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) schedule. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 120 breast cancer patients. Patients underwent modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and received anthracycline- and taxane-based chemotherapy before the application of HFRT. Late skin and subcutaneous toxicity were evaluated in accordance with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grading scheme. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to predict the associations of old age (> 50) and taxane-based chemotherapy with late skin and subcutaneous tissue toxicities. Results: Grade 2 skin toxicity was found in 44 (42.3%) patients and Grade 2 subcutaneous tissue toxicity was found in 38 (36%) patients. Neither Grade 3 nor Grade 4 toxicity was observed. There was higher but not statistically significant risk of Grade 2 skin and subcutaneous tissue toxicity in patients over 50 years old. Types of chemotherapy were not significantly associated with Grade 2 skin toxicity and subcutaneous tissue toxicity. Conclusion: Old age (> 50) and taxane-based chemotherapy do not adversely affect late skin and subcutaneous tissue toxicity in adjuvant HFRT schedule in post-MRM breast cancer patients.