Prevention Of Radiation Dermatitis Research Articles

Comparison of liposomal gel with and without chamomile to prevent radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients: arandomized controlled trial.

To compare aliposomal gel with and without chamomile extract for the prevention of radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. This study was adouble-blind randomized clinical trial. Atotal of 100 participants undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer were recruited. The primary outcome was the occurrence of dry desquamation. Cumulative dose of ionizing radiation at the first occurrence of dry desquamation, occurrence of erythema, moist desquamation, global radiation dermatitis, and any signs and symptoms self-reported by participants were secondary outcomes. Dry desquamation occurred in 6.0% of the participants using chamomile liposomal gel and 12.2% of those using liposomal gel (p = 0.32). The mean cumulative dose of ionizing radiation for the first occurrence of dry desquamation was 45.1 Gy in the chamomile liposomal gel group and 43.7 Gy in the liposomal gel group. There were no differences between the two gels in the occurrence of erythema, dry desquamation, moist desquamation, and radiation dermatitis compared to liposomal gel. There was alower proportion of reported symptoms in the chamomile liposomal gel group compared to liposomal gel group in the first 3weeks of radiation, especially for itching (p = 0.05). No statistically significant differences between the two gels were found in radiation dermatitis occurrence and dose at first occurrence. Comparing to the literature, it seems that both interventions may be effective, which might explain the lack of statistical difference between the groups.

Barrier films or dressings for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Barrier films or dressings were reported to be effective in preventing radiation dermatitis (RD) in breast cancer patients, but their comparative efficacy is unknown. A systematic literature search was performed on Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane CENTRAL Registry of Clinical Trials from inception to October 20, 2023. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing barrier films or dressings to the standard of care (SOC) or other interventions were included. We estimated summary odds ratios and mean differences using network meta-analysis with random effects. This study was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023475021). Fourteen RCTs met inclusion criteria. Six interventions were analysed: 3M™ Moisturizing Double Barrier Cream (MDBC), 3M™ No Sting Barrier Film (BF), Hydrofilm® (HF), Mepitel® Film (MF), Silver Leaf Nylon Dressing and StrataXRT®. HF, MF and StrataXRT® reduced the incidence of moist desquamation compared to SOC (HF: OR = 0.08; p = 0.02; MF: OR = 0.31 p < 0.01; StrataXRT®: OR = 0.22, p = 0.04). The ranking of agents from most to least effective in preventing moist desquamation according to P-scores was HF (92.5%), MF (78.5%), StrataXRT® (70.1%), BF (46.4%), Silver Leaf Nylon Dressing (24.9%), MDBC (22.9%) and SOC (14.7%). Only four RCTs on HF and MF included patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessments that allowed pooling for analysis. HF and MF were more effective in reducing pain, itchiness and burning sensation compared to SOC (p < 0.01 for all symptoms). HF and MF were effective in preventing RD in breast cancer. Future RCTs should compare these interventions to effective cream preparations, such as topical corticosteroids.

Effectiveness of Barrier Films in preventing radiation dermatitis severity in adjuvant hypofractionated whole breast irradiation with simultaneous integrated boost - An intrapatient randomised controlled trial

Effectiveness of Barrier Films in preventing radiation dermatitis severity in adjuvant hypofractionated whole breast irradiation with simultaneous integrated boost - An intrapatient randomised controlled trial

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Preventive External Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine Gel Combined with Psychological Care in Tumor Patients with Radiation Dermatitis

Radiation dermatitis (RD) caused by radiation therapy has brought pain to patients. Therefore, we aim to investigate the efficacy of preventive external application of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) gel in conjunction with psychological care for the prevention of RD in patients with malignant tumors. A total of 130 patients who underwent radiotherapy in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected as the research objects. The patients were divided into two groups based on their nursing modes: the conventional group received TCM gel treatment for Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade II skin damage, while the combination group received preventive external application of TCM gel before radiotherapy along with psychological care support. The incidence of RD, quality of life, negative emotional changes, and satisfaction with nursing care were recorded and compared between the two groups. Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence of RTOG grade III–IV skin damage, an obvious improvement in patient’s quality of life and negative emotions, and a higher satisfaction in the combination group compared to the conventional group (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, this study suggests that the preventive external application of traditional Chinese medicine combined with psychological care during radiotherapy holds significant potential in preventing RD in patients with malignant tumors. Furthermore, it is proposed that the observed efficacy of the Chinese medicine gel in preventing radiation dermatitis may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties, primarily mediated by key active ingredients such as berberine and obacunone.

Highly efficient prevention of radiation dermatitis using a PEGylated superoxide dismutase dissolving microneedle patch

PEGylated superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD) is commonly used as a cytoprotective agent in radiotherapy. However, its effectiveness in preventing radiation dermatitis is limited owing to its poor skin permeability. To address this issue, a PEG-SOD-loaded dissolving microneedle (PSMN) patch was developed to effectively prevent radiation dermatitis. Initially, PSMN patches were fabricated using a template mold method with polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 as the matrix material. PSMNs exhibited a conical shape with adequate mechanical strength to penetrate the stratum corneum. More than 90 % of PEG-SOD was released from the PSMN patches within 30 min. Notably, the PSMN patches showed a significantly higher drug skin permeation than the PEG-SOD solutions, with a 500-fold increase. In silico simulations and experiments on skin pharmacokinetics confirmed that PSMN patches enhanced drug permeation and skin absorption, in contrast to PEG-SOD solutions. More importantly, PSMN patches efficiently mitigated ionizing radiation-induced skin damage, accelerated the healing process of radiation-affected skin tissues, and exhibited highly effective radioprotective activity for DNA in the skin tissue. Therefore, PSMN patches are promising topical remedy for the prevention of radiation dermatitis.

The effect of various interventions on the prevention of radiation dermatitis: a network meta-analysis.

High doses of radiation, while effective at destroying tumor tissues, also result in radiation dermatitis (RD) at irradiated sites, which is one of the most common complications in cancer radiotherapy. Currently, no standardized protocols for the prevention and treatment of RD have been established in clinical practices, and severe RD can compromise treatment efficacy and reduce patients' quality of life. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to compare the effectiveness of various interventions in preventing RD in patients. As of June 2023, four databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, were searched, with a total of 19 interventions obtained for comparative analysis of their effectiveness in preventing RD. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was employed to screen literature, extract data, and appraise the quality of the studies by two researchers. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted utilizing StataSE 15 and R 4.2.3. A total of 33 studies involving 4307 patients were included in this analysis. From the 33 studies, 19 interventions, encompassing Barrier Films and Dressings (BFD), Boron_Gel, Best supportive care, Corticosteroids_cream, Doxepin_cream, Eau Thermale Avèn_gel, Epidermal Growth Factor_cream, Hyaluronan_cream, Medicinal_Plants, Mineral_Oil, Olive oil and calcium hydroxide (OOCH), Photobiomodulation therapy, Recove_cream, Silicone_gel, Silver sulfadiazine (SSD), Timolol_Gel, Trolamine, VitD_Gel, and VitE_Gel, were retrieved and compared. The NMA results indicated that Hyaluronan_cream (SUCRA: 94.9%) was highly effective in preventing Grade 0/1 RD. Meanwhile, OOCH (SUCRA: 95.7%) demonstrated the most prominent effect in preventing ≥ Grade 2 RD. The study reveals that Hyaluronan_cream and OOCH are two promising treatments for the prevention of RD in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Future research might focus on validating the efficacy of these two therapies with large sample sizes and on identifying an optimal intervention strategy.

Composite hydrogels with antioxidant and robust adhesive properties for the prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis.

Radiotherapy is a pivotal means of cancer treatment, but it often leads to radiation dermatitis, a skin injury caused by radiation-induced excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Scavenging free radicals in the course of radiation therapy will be an effective means to prevent radiation dermatitis. This study demonstrates a novel double network hydrogel doped with MoS2 nanosheets for the prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis. The resultant SPM hydrogel constructed from polyacrylamide (PAM) and sodium alginate (SA) nanofiber presented favorable mechanical and adhesion properties. It could conform well to the human body's irregular contours without secondary dressing fixation, making it suitable for skin protection applications. The in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the antioxidant properties conferred by MoS2 nanosheets enable SPM to effectively mitigate excessive ROS and reduce oxidative stress, thereby preventing radiation dermatitis caused by oxidative damage. Biosafety assessments indicated good biocompatibility of the composite hydrogel, suggesting SPM's practicality and potential as an external dressing for skin radiation protection.

Non-invasive physical plasma for preventing radiation dermatitis in breast cancer: Results from an intrapatient-randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Background and PurposeTo investigate the effect of topical non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP), a volatile mix generated out of ambient air, on prevention of acute radiation dermatitis (RD) during and after whole-breast irradiation (WBI). Materials and MethodsLateral and medial breast halves were randomised within each patient to receive either 120 s of NIPP or sham treatment daily during WBI. Standard skin care with urea lotion was applied to the whole breast. Blinded acute skin toxicity was assessed weekly for each breast half separately and included clinician- (CTCAE) and patient-reported (modified RISRAS), and objective (spectrophotometry) assessments. As an additional external control, a comparable standard of care (SoC) patient collective from a previous prospective trial was used. ResultsSixty-four patients were included. There were no significant differences between breast halves. Post-hoc comparison with a similar SoC control collective revealed OR = 0.28 (95% CI 0.11–0.76; p = 0.014) for grade ≥ 2 RD upon WBI completion, along with less hyperpigmentation (p < 0.001), oedema (p = 0.020), dry (p < 0.001) and moist desquamation (p = 0.017), pain, itching, and burning (p < 0.001 for each). Tolerability of NIPP was excellent and side effects were not observed. ConclusionEven though there were no differences between intrapatient-randomised breast halves, the overall incidence and severity of acute radiation-induced skin toxicity were considerably lower when compared to a prospectively collected SoC cohort. Our data suggest the potential benefit of NIPP in RD prevention. A randomised trial with a physical control group is warranted to confirm these promising results (DRKS00026225).

The Effect of Nursing Intervention Based on HFMEA Model on the Prevention of Radiation Dermatitis: A Randomized Controlled Study

Radiationdermatitis is one of the most common complications in patients received radiotherapy. Previous studies shown that incidence of radiation induced dermatitis (RD) is 95%. HFMEA (Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) is a new model of nursing management. Many studies reported that HFMEA could reduce incidence of complications and adverse events, and significantly improve patient satisfaction. From March 2023 to October 2022, patients received radiotherapy in our center were recruited in this study. Participants were randomly divided into control group (N = 60) and observation group (N = 60) in a ratio of 1:1. Patients in the control group were given routine skin care, health education before radiotherapy and skin care manual during radiotherapy. Based on the standard care, a HFMEA-based nursing intervention was adopted in the observation group by the following methods: Set up HFMEA care team. HFMEA team is composed of head nurses, wound specialist nurses, psychotherapists, etc. The members of the group searched the literature, case analysis and brainstorming to find out the potential failure reasons in every process of nursing radiotherapy patients in the past. Implementation of targeted measures to improve the corresponding: all patients with radiation dermatitis baseline assessment, focus on high-risk patients to shift, regular guidance medication, responsible nurses check the management of patients' skin every day to strengthen the attention of medical staff and patients' family members to radiation dermatitis. The degree of skin injury, pain and psychological status were compared between the two groups at the end of radiotherapy. A total of 120 patients were enrolled in this study. Grade 1 RD was the most common in the observation group at the end of radiotherapy, and Grade 2 and 3 skin RD were less in the observation group than in the control group. There was not significant difference in the scores of SAS and SDS between the two groups before and after nursing (P > 0.05). In the observation group, the SAS scores (44.10±11.25 vs. 32.29 ± 7.72, P = 0.016) and SDS scores (40.98 ± 9.12 vs. 30.11 ± 5.23, P = 0.013) were significantly higher than the control group after nursing(P<0.05). The scores of SAS and SDS in the Observation Group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The scores of SAS in the Observation Group VS the control group were 32.29 ± 7.72 VS 39.09 ± 9.37 after nursing, SDS scores of Observation Group VS control group (30.11 ± 5.23 VS 38.76 ± 7.52, P<0.05). The visual analogue scale (Vas) score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.37 ± 0.45 VS 4.02 ± 0.53, P & Lt; 0.001), and the satisfaction degree of patients in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (96.67% VS 80%, p = 0.004). HFMEA model could effectively reduce incidence of RD, eliminate negative emotion, relieve pain and improve nursing satisfaction.

Prevention of radiation dermatitis with skin hygiene and washing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of washing in patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) on radiation dermatitis (RD) severity. A literature search was performed using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases between January 1, 1946, and January 31, 2023. Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the effects of washing with or without soap on RD were identified. A meta-analysis was conducted for clinician-reported outcomes using RevMan 5.4 and a narrative synthesis for patient-reported outcomes due to a lack of reported data amenable to quantitative comparison in accordance with the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines. The Cochrane Risk of bias (RoB2) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria were used to assess risk of bias and certainty of evidence, respectively. Two RCTs met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Washing with or without soap significantly reduced the incidence of severe RD (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.19-0.55, p < 0.01) and moist desquamation (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.12-0.52, p < 0.01). Two of four trials found an association between washing and reduced itching score (p = 0.38). Pain score was not found to be significantly different with or without washing in any of the four studies (p = 0.07). The two studies that assessed burn scores did not detect any difference between the washing group versus no washing group (p = 0.25). Washing was associated with improved quality of life (QoL) measures in one study. Washing with or without soap during RT resulted in less severe RD and less moist desquamation. Given the QoL benefits of washing, it should be advocated as part of routine skin care during RT.

The Effect of Sanyrene Liquid Dressing in Preventing Radiation Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To assess the efficacy of Sanyrene liquid dressing (Urgo Medical) in preventing radiation dermatitis (RD) among patients with cancer after radiotherapy. The authors searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, WanFang Data, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases for articles published from inception to January 2021. The preliminary search identified 146 studies. After removing duplicates, applying exclusion criteria, and screening titles and abstracts, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. A standardized form was constructed to extract data from eligible studies. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. The authors identified a total of 19 studies involving 1,508 patients that assessed the effectiveness of Sanyrene liquid dressing in preventing RD in patients with cancer after radiotherapy. The findings suggested that Sanyrene decreases the total incidence of RD (odds ratio [OR], 5.00; 95% CI, 2.77-9.03; P < .00001), as well as the incidence of RD grade 2 (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36-0.85; P = .007), grade 3 (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.09-0.57; P = .002), and grade 4 (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13-0.78; P = .01). In addition, in comparison with controls, Sanyrene liquid dressing improves the cure rate (OR, 8.18; 95% CI, 4.03-16.60; P < .00001) and delays the occurrence of RD (mean difference, 3.69; 95% CI, 3.03-4.36; P < .00001). Sanyrene liquid dressing can decrease both the total incidence of RD and the incidence of RD above grade 2. It also improves the cure rate and delays the occurrence of RD. Thus, Sanyrene may be a superior option for preventing RD after radiotherapy. However, the findings were assessed as moderate- to low-quality evidence and more high-quality trials are needed to support this result.

Efficacy of topical steroids in preventing radiation dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the relative efficacy of topical steroids in preventing radiation dermatitis (RD). Multiple databases including Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biological Medicine (SinoMed), and Wanfang Database were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of RD prevention in patients with cancer from inception to November 26, 2021, followed by an update on June 1, 2021. Six RCTs evaluating the efficacy of topical steroids in preventing RD in a total of 661 patients with cancer were included. RD incidence was lower with topical steroids compared with placebo at week 3 (relative risk [RR]=0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-1.50) and at radiation therapy (RT) completion (RR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.93-1.00). Topical steroids demonstrated a less risk of developing dermatitis of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grades 2 and 3 at the completion of RT (RR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.80 and RR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.38-0.77, respectively). However, topical steroids did not reduce RTOG grades 1 and 2 dermatitis at week 3(RR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.45-1.14 and RR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.27-1.60, respectively). Notably, the use of topical steroids did not decrease RD incidence when patients received combined chemotherapy (RR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.42-0.86), and an obvious reduction in the incidence of RD at RT completion was found when patients used the topical steroids twice-daily (RR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.47-0.93, P=0.02). Topical steroids reduced RD incidence in patients receiving RT. Thus, twice-daily topical steroids may be recommended for patients at the beginning of RT.

Non-Invasive Physical Plasma for Preventing Radiation Dermatitis in Breast Cancer: A First-In-Human Feasibility Study.

Radiation dermatitis (RD) is the most common acute side effect of breast irradiation. More than a century following the therapeutic utilisation of X-rays, potent preventative and therapeutic options are still lacking. Non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP) is an emerging approach towards treatment of various dermatological disorders. In this study, we sought to determine the safety and feasibility of a NIPP device on RD. Thirty patients undergoing hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation were included. Parallel to radiation treatment, the irradiated breast was treated with NIPP with different application regimens. RD was assessed during and after NIPP/radiation, using clinician- and patient-reported outcomes. Additionally, safety and feasibility features were recorded. None of the patients was prescribed topical corticosteroids and none considered the treatment to be unpleasant. RD was less frequent and milder in comparison with standard skin care. Neither NIPP-related adverse events nor side effects were reported. This proven safety and feasibility profile of a topical NIPP device in the prevention and treatment of RD will be used as the framework for a larger intrapatient-randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial, using objective and patient-reported outcome measures as an endpoint.

Investigating bacterial decolonization for the prevention of radiation dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial and quality of life assessment.

TPS12137 Background: Radiation dermatitis (RD) can be therapy-limiting and detrimental to quality of life for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy (RT). Bacteria play an important role in many inflammatory dermatoses. In an observational clinical study, our group discovered that nasal colonization with bacteria, specifically with Staphylococcus aureus (SA), prior to RT was an independent predictor of higher-grade RD (grade ≥2). Higher-grade RD patients were also found to have more SA on the irradiated skin after treatment. If successful, bacterial decolonization could be a safe and cost-effective method to prevent RD. Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of universal bacterial decolonization in preventing RD. Subject inclusion criteria include patients who are aged ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of a solid tumor of the breast or head and neck with plans for fractionated RT (≥ 15 fractions) with curative intent. Based on previous studies and power analyses, we plan to recruit a total of 80 patients. Patients in the control arm will be treated according to standard of care, including daily application of emollients and gentle bathing. In addition to standard of care, patients in the intervention arm will receive a decolonization regimen consisting of intranasal mupirocin ointment used twice daily and chlorhexidine wash used daily for 5 days prior to the initiation of RT and repeated for 5 days every other week throughout RT. Study evaluations for both groups will include bacterial cultures obtained via superficial swab from the nares, irradiated skin, and contralateral non-radiated skin performed at the beginning, middle, and end of RT. Additionally, standardized photographs of the skin at the radiated site will be performed prior to and at the completion of RT, which will be graded by a dermatologist blinded to study arm. Lastly, at identical timepoints, each patient will complete the SKINDEX-16 questionnaire, a validated quality of life (QoL) assessment. The primary endpoint is development of grade ≥ 2 RD, as compared to low-grade RD (grade 0-1), during RT. The secondary endpoint includes the impact of bacterial decolonization on QoL. Pearson’s chi square or Fisher’s exact tests will be used to compare the incidence rates of higher-grade RD between the interventional arm and control arm to assess if the intervention is associated with a lower incidence rate of higher-grade RD. Paired t-tests will be used to compare the QoL score change from baseline to after RT between the two arms. Linear regression models will be used in both analyses to adjust for covariates. Clinical trial information: NCT03883828.

Preclinical Studies and Clinical Prospects of Wharton's Jelly-Derived MSC for Treatment of Acute Radiation Syndrome.

Purpose of ReviewWharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) have received widespread attention from researchers owing to the remarkable benefits offered by these cells over other stem cells. The primitive nature of WJ-MSCs, ease of isolation, differentiation ability, and immuno-modulatory nature make these cells superior to bone marrow MSCs and ideal to treat various human ailments. This review explores ability of WJ-MSCs to mitigate acute radiation syndrome caused by planned or unplanned radiation exposure.Recent FindingsRecent reports suggest that WJ-MSCs home to damaged tissues in irradiated host and mitigate radiation induced damage to radiosensitive tissues such as hematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems. WJ-MSCs and conditioned media were found to protect mice from radiation induced mortality and also prevent radiation dermatitis. Local irradiation-induced lung toxicity in mice was significantly reduced by CXCR4 over-expressing WJ-MSCs.SummaryEmerging evidences support safety and effectiveness of WJ-MSCs for treatment of acute radiation syndrome and lung injury after planned or accidental exposure. Additionally, conditioned media collected after culturing WJ-MSCs can also be used for mitigation of radiation dermatitis. Clinical translation of these findings would be possible after careful evaluation of resilience, effectiveness, and molecular mechanism of action of xenogeneic WJ-MSCs in non-human primates.

Wound dressings for prevention of radiation dermatitis: a WHAM evidence summary

Wound dressings for prevention of radiation dermatitis: a WHAM evidence summary

A Meta-analysis of Sanyrene in preventing radiation dermatitis of head and neck tumor

A Meta-analysis of Sanyrene in preventing radiation dermatitis of head and neck tumor

Chamomile Gel versus Urea Cream to Prevent Acute Radiation Dermatitis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Results from a Preliminary Clinical Trial.

We assessed safety and potential efficacy of a chamomile gel compared with urea cream to prevent acute radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients. We assessed safety and potential efficacy of the chamomile gel in escalating concentrations of 2.50%, 5.00% and 8.35% of chamomile. Concentration of 8.35% was chosen for a randomized trial comparing chamomile gel (8.35%) with urea cream (n = 24 per group), for potential efficacy to delay or prevent radiation dermatitis in these patients. Preliminary results demonstrate a delayed onset of dermatitis, with onset of Grade 2 dermatitis at 5.1 (1.3) weeks in the chamomile group and 4.5 (1.3) weeks in the urea group (effect size of 0.46). Itching, burning and hyperpigmentation were more frequently reported in the urea group. Results indicates a potential efficacy of the chamomile gel. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of the chamomile gel in reducing or delaying the occurrence of radiation dermatitis.

StrataXRT in Preventing Radiation Dermatitis in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy to the Brain or Spinal Cord

StrataXRT in Preventing Radiation Dermatitis in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy to the Brain or Spinal Cord

Phase III Randomized Pair Comparison of a Barrier Film vs. Standard Skin Care in Preventing Radiation Dermatitis in Post-lumpectomy Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Radiation Therapy

IntroductionPatients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy to the breast often experience radiation dermatitis ranging from mild erythema to moist desquamation. In post-lumpectomy patients, the axilla and inframammary fold are at an increased risk for friction dermatitis. Dermatitis can impact patients’ quality-of-life and may require treatment break/cessation. Our objectives are to assess the efficacy of 3M Cavilon Barrier Film (BF) in preventing and/or delaying the onset of grade-two dermatitis and reducing patient-reported sensation scores.MethodsA total of 55 patients were randomized to receive BF on the medial or lateral breast. BF was applied twice weekly during treatment. Skin toxicity was evaluated weekly by a blinded clinical investigator using the Skin Toxicity Assessment Tool (STAT) and the modified Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Visual Assessment Score (RTOG VAS). On day one, baseline photographs were taken; seven-to-ten days post-treatment, patients returned for photographs, the STAT/RTOG VAS, and patient-opinion questions in the form of the global questionnaire.ResultsThe paired analysis found BF did not significantly reduce dermatitis either during or post-treatment. However, the unpaired analysis found significantly reduced RTOG VAS on the lateral compartment during treatment (BF:0.91 vs. Control:1.21, p = 0.0408). This difference resolved post-treatment. Additionally, BF was able to reduce pruritus (p = 0.047) on the medial components and burning sensations on the lateral components (p = 0.035). There was no significant difference between the time-to-onset or proportion of patients who developed grade-two dermatitis.ConclusionIn an unpaired analysis, BF significantly reduced dermatitis on the lateral compartment during treatment. Additionally, BF significantly reduced pruritus and burning sensations. A larger study using a more reliable scoring method is required to clarify the effect of BF on radiation-associated skin toxicity.