Nasal Colonization with Staphylococcus Aureus Before Radiation Therapy Predicts Radiation Dermatitis: A Prospective Study

Acute radiation dermatitis (RD) is a common side effect of radiation therapy (RT). Radiation-induced skin changes are thought to increase the risk of secondary skin infection. However, little is known regarding the baseline incidence of microbial colonization prior to RT and whether it is associated with development of RD. The goals of our prospective study are to 1) characterize the incidence of baseline bacterial colonization in patients...