Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is a frequent and distressing toxicity in patients receiving postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT), often impairing comfort and treatment adherence. Simple, evidence-based preventive measures are therefore essential for improving skin tolerance and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of thin polyurethane film (PUF) dressings in preventing ARD among patients with breast cancer undergoing PMRT. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 38 patients who received PMRT at our institution between April 2019 and June 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received full-field PUF dressings from April 2021 onward and those who received standard skin care between April 2019 and March 2021. The severity of ARD was graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0 (CTCAE v5.0). Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of severe dermatitis. RESULTS: Patients in the PUF group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of severe ARD compared with those receiving standard care. Multivariate analysis identified PUF use as an independent protective factor against severe dermatitis (odds ratio = 0.18, 95% confidence interval = 0.04-0.72, P = 0.006). Age, body mass index, and chemotherapy were not significantly associated with ARD severity. CONCLUSIONS: Thin PUF dressings significantly reduced the risk of severe ARD in patients undergoing PMRT. This simple, noninvasive intervention alleviates discomfort, supports treatment continuity, and demonstrates strong clinical relevance in Asian practice settings, where supporting evidence remains limited compared with European trials. The findings highlight the importance of integrating PUF dressings into routine nursing care to enhance skin protection and maintain patients' quality of life.