Results of prophylactic irradiation in patients with resected keloids - A retrospective analysis

The data of 139 patients with 166 keloids treated postoperatively between 1 962 and 1996 were evaluated for prognostic factors and outcomes. Treatment commenced within 48 h after surgery. Radiotherapy was carried out as brachy therapy, using an integrated radionuclide 90 Sr-90Y surface applicator. The median dose delivered to the subcutis amounted to 14 Gy (range 7.5-28.5 Gy ). The overall recurrence-free response rate was calculated to be 80% for a ll keloids. Response rates differed significantly (p < 0.001) between the d ifferent anatomical regions. The recurrence rate was lowest (2%) with keloi ds of the face and neck and highest with keloids of the thorax (49%). Outco me also differed significantly, depending on the etiology. Keloids followin g burns had a poorer success rate than those developing after surgery or me chanical trauma (p < 0.001). We were unable to demonstrate any significance in outcome related to gender, age or size. No direct correlation was found between total doses and response rates. In our patients there were no sign s of secondary malignancies in the irradiation area within a median follow- up period of 12 years. Two new prognostic factors have been identified: kel oid etiology and localization of the disorder.