Breast Radiotherapy: Invisible Tattoos for External References(BRITER)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study investigating whether fluorescent ink (only visible in ultraviolet light) can replace visible dark ink tattoos used for external references during breast radiotherapy?
IRAS ID
138434
Contact name
Anna Kirby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Marsden R&D
Research summary
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in the UK. Improvements in treatment mean more women are living with the effects of cancer treatment. Patients receiving breast radiotherapy currently require two or more visible dark ink tattoos (one of which is positioned between the breasts) to allow their planned position to be reproduced during the course of treatment. Radiograohers have identified that patients are increasingly reluctant to have visible tattoos in this cosmetically sensitive area. In addition, visible radiotherapy references can serve as a reminder of treatment and diagnosis causing psychological trauma (Bregnhoi, 2010; David, 2006). We would like to test a novel method of tattooing using less conspicuous fluorescent ink.
Patients receiving radiotherapy for breast cancer will be asked to participate. The study will be conducted in the radiotherapy department, Royal Marsden, Sutton. Forty two patients will be randomised to receive either standard dark ink tattoos or fluorescent ink tattoos during their course of breast radiotherapy.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0209
Date of REC Opinion
3 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion