Introduction: The surgery of keloids as an individual therapy with high rates of recurrence needs adjuvant therapies as complement. Recent keloids are rich in fibroblasts, which are highly radiosensitive and what explains the good results of percutaneous radiotherapy after surgery. Objective: To compare the beta-therapy results with electron-beam technique in newly operated keloids. Material and Methods: a prospective, comparative and randomized study was outlined including patients in the immediate postoperative period of surgical excision of keloids. Divided in G1 and G2 groups respectively, they received treatment with Sr90 (beta-therapy)plates or with electrons from the linear accelerator. The monitoring lasted 10 years. The results were performed using the information from patients, photograph parameters, observation and measurement of injuries, according to the criteria: Unchanged, Regular, Good and Excellent. Results: There were 26 patients, 13 in each group. In G1, 54% presented regular and unchanged improvement criteria and 46% had good or excellent criteria. In G2, the results were respectively 23% and 77%. Conclusion: The irradiation with electron-beam is better than beta-teraphy for the treatment of keloids surgery, due to the distribution in the tissue. No radio-induced tumors were observed.

Keywords: KELOID, ELECTRONS, STRONTIUM

Introduction: While several keloid treatment modalities exist, they all offer disappointing results when performed in isolation. The combination of surgical excision and post-operative irradiation with electron beams is effective in improving the quality of scars and reducing the recurrence rate of the condition. Objective: To assess, on a comparative basis, the prospects for cure, and also side effects in the irradiated areas of two treatment methods using electron beams. Methods: A prospective, comparative and randomized clinical study was carried out at the Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu-UNESP, in Botucatu (SP), Brazil, between 2008 and 2010. The study included patients who were post-operative after their treatment for the resection of keloids. The study population was divided into groups G1 and G2, having received radiotherapy treatment with electrons from a linear accelerator at 30 Gy/10 fractions and 32 Gy/16 fractions, respectively. The patients were followed up with for 18 months. Results were assessed through the observation of two independent evaluators and the distribution of a questionnaire to study participants. Results: Forty-three patients were investigated (21 in G1 and 22 in G2). 52.4% showed good results in G1, with a recurrence rate of 47.6%. In G2, 91% showed good results, with a 9% recurrence rate. Conclusion: The 32 Gy/16 fractions method was proved to be superior to the 30 Gy/10 fractions method, resulting in a better therapeutic response and fewer side effects.

Keywords: KELOID, ELECTRONS, RADIOTHERAPY