Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on acute radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled study

Purpose: The objective of this research was to synthesize the evidence about the usage of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in women with breast cancer undergoing hypo-fractionated whole-breast irradiation (HFWBI) for the treatment of acute radiodermatitis.

Methods: The study included 50 patients (35-55 years) with unilateral breast cancer post-lumpectomy who received HFWBI. They were randomized into Group A (PEMF plus standard skin care) and Group B (standard skin care only). Skin reactions were assessed during PEMF therapy using sonographic skin thickness measurements and RTOG criterion.

Results: After radiation, skin thickness increased in both groups, peaking at 4 weeks (PEMF 2.82 mm; control 2.74 mm, p = 0.030). By 6 weeks, thickness declined in the PEMF group but remained high in controls (p < 0.001), and by 8 weeks PEMF returned near baseline (2.01 mm) while controls stayed thickened (p < 0.001). Skin reactions worsened in both groups by week 4, with more severe cases in controls (36% vs. 12%, p = 0.150). By week 6, PEMF patients mostly had mild reactions (72% Grade 0-1) compared to predominantly severe reactions in controls (84% Grade 2-3, p = 0.001). At 8 weeks, recovery was greater with PEMF, as 52% returned to Grade 0 versus only 8% in controls (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Results such as these indicate that PEMF therapy accelerates recovery from radiotherapy and diminishes the intensity of acute radiodermatitis.

Trial registration: Trial registration number: NCT06003764. Date of registration: 12 August 2023. Prospectively registered for prospectively registered trials.