A recent study examined the safety and efficacy of fading tattoos for medical markings.
The study — conducted by Henry Ford Health and Ephemeral Tattoo — investigated the use and implications of temporary tattoo ink on cancer patients as an alternative to permanent tattoos during radiation therapy.
According to a press release, 50-60% percent of cancer patients receive radiation therapy during treatment, which requires them to receive small, permanent tattoos to ensure that the therapy is delivered to the exact same location each time.
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For many radiation patients, these tattoo marks serve as an unwanted reminder of cancer. In an effort to change that, Henry Ford Health researchers teamed up with Ephemeral Tattoo to test their fading tattoo ink on 15 cancer patients. Unlike permanent tattoos, an Ephemeral Tattoo will last 6 to 8 weeks during treatment and then fade.
The study was produced by Eric Schaff, MD, Henry Ford Health radiation oncology resident, with assistance from principal investigator Farzan Siddiqui, MD, Ph.D., and research engineer Marissa Gilbert.
The biodegradable ink used was developed by Ph.D. chemical engineers, Vandan Shah and Brennal Pierre of Ephemeral Tattoo, according to a statement.
dr. Farzan Siddiqui and Brennal Pierre recently spoke with PEOPLE to discuss what inspired this collaboration, the physical and psychological implications of these technologies, and how they hope to make waves in health and wellness in general.
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Ephemeral tattoo application.
Henry Ford’s Ephemeral Tattoos and Health
What initially inspired the collaboration between Henry Ford Health and Ephemeral Tattoo?
FS: Almost all of our radiation patients require tattoo placement for alignment on the treatment machine. Whenever we talk to our patients and get to the part where we describe the procedure and placement of the tattoo, eyebrows are always raised because people are concerned about why and how it will affect them. So, we were always looking for something that would not leave a lasting mark on our patients. And one of our residents, Dr. Eric Schaff who graduated in the meantime, was instrumental in forming this bond and relationship. He was the one who explored the possibility of a temporary tattoo that we could use for our patients to serve the primary purpose of delivering the radiation treatment, but allowing it to fade over time.
Can you break down the application of these tattoos? What specific attributes make it passable?
BP: Ephemeral Tattoo was initially designed as a recreational tattoo. Basically, we wanted to get the same quality tattoos that a permanent tattoo would get. We wanted each client to go through essentially the same process you would have with a permanent tattoo. What makes the Ephemeral different is that, unlike permanent tattoos, it breaks down all the time. And how does it keep breaking down? One of the main components of a tattoo is actually bioabsorbing polymers. These bioabsorbable polymers can be found in other medical devices such as sutures, otherwise known as dissolvable sutures. It is the property of ink, this ability to break down and be absorbed by the body over time, that makes the ephemeral, ephemeral.
Were there any adverse reactions to those tattoos?
FS: Some of our patients may undergo six to seven weeks of radiation treatment. Therefore, above all, we wanted a tattoo that would not fade too soon or too quickly. We wanted to make sure that there would be no problem with the visibility of the tattoo during this whole process. This was one of our primary study endpoints. Another endpoint was the safety of this new ink we used. Fortunately, of all 15 patients who were included in the study, we had no adverse reactions, allergies, excessive pain or discomfort, or any other long-term problems with the various tattoos we placed on these patients. So again we were able to meet the primary goal of using these tattoos to align patients while also meeting our safety standards.
How is Ephemeral Tattoo different from other semi-permanent tattoos on the market?
BP: Most semi-permanent or temporary tattoos on the market are placed on the epidermis of the skin, which is the surface of the skin itself. This part of the skin is renewed at least every two to three weeks. So, in two to three weeks, that tattoo will disappear. What makes Ephemeral Tattoos really different is that we essentially use the same tools that tattoo artists use where the ink is placed in the dermis of the skin, which is below the epidermis. Like a permanent tattoo, it will stay there until you remove it. The same thing will happen with Ephemeral, put it in the dermis of the skin and it will stay there. However, the bioabsorbent polymers will begin to break down and then the tattoo will begin to come off over time.
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Ephemeral tattoo application.
Henry Ford’s Ephemeral Tattoos and Health
What are the physical and psychological implications of ephemeral tattoos for cancer patients?
FS: It’s a painful journey for patients going through this whole process. It is both physically and mentally exhausting. Radiation therapy can be curative and palliative, but this time in life is not comfortable for most patients. When they are cured and cured of cancer, many prefer to put the experience in their rearview mirror and not have to constantly think about it. Having a permanent tattoo is a lifelong reminder of the struggle they went through. So we found that psychologically, once our patients were cured, it would be beneficial for them to go on with their normal, healthy lives and not have this visible reminder. In addition, some cultures and religions do not allow permanent tattoos. There are definitely religious exemptions in the case of medical procedures and luckily none of our patients have yet refused to get a medically recommended tattoo, but it’s always something we look at with a bit of skepticism. With a temporary tattoo, we can hopefully avoid these cultural or religious prohibitions.
Do you suspect that there may be patients who want a more permanent symbol of their struggle?
FS: Yes, I’m sure there are patients who feel that because they’ve been through a tough time and triumphantly come out the other side, they want something permanent to show that they’ve succeeded. Even if there are patients who want permanent tattoos, I suspect that a minority of patients will want permanent tattoos over temporary ones.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education