Review Date: October 2024
Chapter 04
Radiation therapy for keloid scars
Assessment
An initial assessment and discussion is important to help understand the uncertainties and alternative treatment options.
At the assessment, your specialist will discuss whether radiotherapy might be helpful for your condition, as well any as side-effects you may experience.
Note: You will need a referral from a GP or specialist for an assessment.
Treatment
Radiation therapy may help treat keloid scars by reducing the inflammation which in turn dampens the excess production of collagen.1,4 Radiation therapy can be used after surgery, with the aim of preventing the scar from recurring; studies show success rates around 80% to 85% with no regrowth of the scar.2,5
Radiation therapy for keloid scars can use a technique called electron beam radiation therapy, which is delivered by a linear accelerator (LINAC).2 Radiation therapy is often started approximately 24 to 72 hours after surgery and may be delivered in up to five treatments sessions within one week.2,4,6
The number of treatment sessions, their duration, and treatment outcomes will vary between patients. Side effects may occur, but these are usually mild to moderate. For example, some patients experience mild redness of the skin immediately following treatment, which this usually subsides over 3 to 4 weeks.5
Enquire now
To learn more about radiation therapy treatment options for keloid scars, make an enquiry. Please note a referral from a GP or specialist is needed for an initial assessment by a radiation oncologist.
Content reviewed by
Professor Jarad Martin
MBChB BSc PhD DMed, FRANZCR GAustMS
Radiation Oncologist
Maitland (Oncology) +1
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- Ogawa R. Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars Are the Result of Chronic Inflammation in the Reticular Dermis. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(3):606.
- Zainib M, Amin NP. Radiation Therapy In The Treatment Of Keloids. [Updated 2022 Aug 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499973/ [accessed April 2023].
- Australasian College of Dermatologists. Keloids. August 2015. Available: https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/keloids/ [accessed April 2023].
- Nast A, Gauglitz G, Lorenz K, et al. S2k guidelines for the therapy of pathological scars (hypertrophic scars and keloids) - Update 2020. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2021;19(2):312-327.
- Lee SY, Park J. Postoperative electron beam radiotherapy for keloids: treatment outcome and factors associated with occurrence and recurrence. Ann Dermatol. 2015;27(1):53-58.
- Wen P, Wang T, Zhou Y, Yu Y, Wu C. A retrospective study of hypofractionated radiotherapy for keloids in 100 cases. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):3598.
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