Radiation Recall

Radiation recall is a severe skin reaction that occurs when certain chemotherapy drugs are administered during or soon after radiation treatment. The rash appears like a severe sunburn. Treatment generally consists of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and rarely, chemotherapy is delayed until the skin heals.

What is radiation recall?

Radiation recall is a severe skin reaction that develops when chemotherapy is administered during or soon after radiation treatment. It usually appears on the area of skin where the radiation was administered several weeks to months after the radiation was administered.

What causes radiation recall?

The chemotherapy drugs that have been reported to cause radiation recall in more than 10 percent of patients include:

• Cosmegen^® (actinomycin)
• Adriamycin^® (doxorubicin)
• Rheumatrex^® (methotrexate)
• 5-FU (fluorouracil)
• Hydrea^® (hydroxyurea)
• Taxol^® (paclitaxel)
• Doxil^® (liposomal doxorubicin)

What are the symptoms of radiation recall?

Radiation recall is a rash that appears like a severe sunburn. It is characterized by one or more of the following:

• Redness
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Wet sores
• Peeling skin
• Discoloration after the skin has healed

What is the treatment for radiation recall?

In some cases, symptoms may be severe enough that chemotherapy may have to be delayed until your skin heals. Usually, your doctor will try to give you medication to reduce the inflammation so that you can continue receiving the chemotherapy. Corticosteroids, in the form of a pill or a cream, may be prescribed for this purpose.

What else can I do?

It is very important to protect the skin that is irritated:

• Stay out of the sun
• Use sunscreens when you must be exposed
• Avoid tanning beds
• Wear loose, nonrestrictive clothing