Innovation in radiation skin Toxicity management for patients with curative head and neck cancer: The INTACT Study

• 
  Chair of Cancer Nursing
  Professor Mei Krishnasamy

  meik@unimelb.edu.au

  View researcher's webpage

Project Details

Radiation therapy, the mainstay of management for head and neck cancers (HNC), results in severe skin toxicity for up to 85% of patients. Radiation-induced skin toxicity (RIST) is associated with pain, discomfort, itching, reduced range of neck movement, and risk of systemic infection in a cohort of patients already severely immune-compromised. The disfiguring cosmetic impact of RIST commonly impacts quality of life during and post-treatment and for some people can be a long lasting side-effect and cause of distress. This exploratory pilot study sets out to test the potential of a cost effective, readily available skin care agent, compared to usual care, to reduce RIST side-effects and optimise time to skin healing. If indicated, data from his study will inform a future multi-site trial of the efficacy and patient experience of the new agent.

Researchers

• Prof Mei Krishnasamy, Chair in Cancer Nursing, Department of Nursing & Centre for Cancer Research, University of Melbourne; VCCC Research and Education Lead – Cancer Nursing (Principal Investigator)
• Joshua Hart, Nurse Manager, Radiation Therapy Unit, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VCCC.
• Eliza Bailey, Radiation Therapy Nurse, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VCCC.

Funding

The University of Melbourne