Comparing the RTOG/EORTC and LENT-SOMA scoring systems for the evaluation of late skin toxicity after 125I seed brachytherapy for parotid gland cancer

The LENT-SOMA scale was more accurate than the RTOG scale for the evaluation of late skin and subcutaneous toxicity. The downgrading of telangiectasia and upgrading of pigmentation with the LENT-SOMA scale reflected the patients' conditions better than the scores obtained with the RTOG scale. The assessment of fibrosis and atrophy correlated well between the two scales. The use of the sum of the individual scores of the LENT-SOMA is therefore advocated. The addition of decreased sweating and the removal of the alopecia (scalp) metric should be considered to standardize the reporting of late radiation morbidity.