Table 2. Skin reaction progression with dose.
| Single irradiation peak skin dose (Gy) | Predicted National Cancer Institute skin reaction gradea | Approximate reaction latency | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prompt (hours to 2 wk) | Early (2–8 wk) | Mid (6–40 wk) | Late (>40 wk) | ||
| <2 | Not applicable | No effect predicted | |||
| 2–5 | 1 | Mild pruritus, transient erythema | No effect predicted | ||
| 5–10 | 1–2 | Intense pruritus, transient erythema | Dyspigmentation (hyper or hypo, potentially permanent), edema, epilation, erythema | Dermal atrophy, telangiectasia | |
| 10–15 | 2–3 | Dyspigmentation (hyper or hypo, potentially permanent), desquamation (wet or dry), edema, epilation, erythema, necrosis, ulceration | |||
| >15 | 3–4 (surgical repair likely required) | Desquamation (wet or dry), edema, pruritus, transient erythema | Dermal atrophy, necrosis, telangiectasia, ulceration | ||
a
Based on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.16