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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to understand the process of conducting a thorough literature review as a necessary step prior to conducting clinical research.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to understand how results are analyzed and summarized in a focused literature review for a clinical nursing problem.
Background: The problem of radiation-induced skin toxicities is significant. About 87% of women having radiation treatment for breast cancer will develop some degree of radiodermatitis varying from mild erythema to moist desquamation (Gosselin, Schneider, Plambeck & Rowe, 2010).
Evaluation: A literature search was conducted using electronic databases including CINAHL, Pubmed, Medline and Proquest. The search was limited to articles between the years of 2004 and 2011 to assure the most current research relevant to the technology for radiation treatment available. Keywords used for the literature search included: radiodermatitis, breast cancer treatment, randomized controlled trials (RCT), and radiation therapy. The search was limited to include only women with breast cancer on radiation therapy treatment. Seven primary research articles and four secondary literature review articles were selected as relevant to this topic.
Key Issues: Articles were reviewed based on designs, methodology, sample size and results. It was found that all studies using various topical skin care products showed inconclusive evidence that any one product was superior in preventing radiodermatitis. However, one product, Calendula was shown in one study to be likely to be more effective in lessening the effects of radiodermatitis. Calendula is supported by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) as a product that is likely to reduce skin toxicities from radiation therapy, but there is no standard of care because of the lack of empirical research (Baney et al. 2011).
Implications for further research: There is currently no evidence- based practice supporting nursing recommendations for skin care of patients undergoing radiation therapy as outlined by ONS. Because no consensus has been reached on an ideal strategy for the treatment of radiodermatitis, further nursing clinical research is needed.