Retrospective Analysis of the Efficacy of Morphine Gel to Treat Pain Associated With Perineal RadioDermatitis

Radiotherapy (RT) can induce acute side effects or toxicities, known as radiodermatitis (RD). Technological and technical advances have made it possible to reduce these toxicities (1), although certain organs such as the skin and mucous membranes remain vulnerable, particularly when the tumor is located nearby.

Skin exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) during the treatment of tumors close to the cutaneous surface is no longer able to renew itself due to an alteration in the basal cell mitotic process, leading to suppression of skin cell renewal. IR also induces senescence of epidermal keratinocytes, responsible for exacerbated inflammatory activity and structural dysfunction of the epidermal barrier, through disruption of the keratinization and cornification process. (2).

RD usually heals ad integrum. They are classified into 5 grades according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Version 5.0 (3), presenting different clinical aspects ranging from grade I to V.

Grade II and III RDs are frequently observed in patients undergoing perineal RT, especially as medical treatment is associated.

In addition to the tumor's proximity to the skin, several anatomical factors specific to the perineal region contribute to the occurrence of these RDs: a wetter area, with skin folds, subject to friction and the presence of the urinary and anal orifices, potential sources of irritation by the elimination of urine and feces.

These RD are painful and have a significant impact on patients' quality of life (4,5,6). Pain intensity is often underestimated prior to treatment (7). The discomfort and pain experienced during RT intensify over the course of the sessions (8). Although RD is a frequent acute toxicity in patients treated for perineal tumors, there are few studies describing the impact of RD-related pain. The treatment of pain in RT must be rigorously assessed, and appropriate systemic or local therapy proposed (9). The challenge in treating pain in perineal radiodermatitis (PDR) is to ensure the full administration of the initial RT treatment regimen, which in the event of long interruption or premature discontinuation would expose the patient to a greater risk of recurrence (10-12).

Despite the studies carried out, there is no consensus on local care for the prevention or treatment of DR. However, the topicals used should not compromise the efficacy of RT, and should optimize healing, with gels being the preferred form.

This is why a dedicated care circuit has been set up at the Institut Curie to optimize preventive skin care and monitoring of tolerance to ROP. This system enables the early detection of painful ROP refractory to the prescribed systemic treatment.

In case of painful RD: patients are offered a hydrogel preparation mixed with morphine for local relief. Patients apply this preparation themselves during the day.

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of morphine gel (GM) in the treatment of pain in PRD. The primary endpoint is the patient's self-reported reduction in pain. Secondary objectives include evaluation of systemic analgesic prescription and analysis of treatment interruptions attributable to DR.