Incidental long term control of recalcitrant rosacea following modern radiotherapy – a case series

Abstract

Rosacea is a common chronic illness with no known durable cure. We present 4 cases of incidental long-term control of recalcitrant rosacea following definitive volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) radiotherapy for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arising within extensive skin field cancerisation (ESFC). At last follow up at an average of 21 months post radiotherapy (RT), all cases had complete response (CR) of the BCC and ESFC. These four cases also had enduring response of recalcitrant rosacea within and also immediately outside the planning target volume that was prescribed radiotherapy to 45 Gray (Gy) (PTV45).  The durability of rosacea control was associated with target volumes at least receiving 36.5 Gy in an average of 22.5 fractions. Progression to a prospective trial and the design is discussed.