Halperin, E.D., Gaspar, L., George, S., Darr, D., & Pinnell, S. (1993). A double-blind, randomized, prospective trial to evaluate topical vitamin C solution for the prevention of radiation dermatitis. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, 26, 413–416.
To ascertain the value of topical ascorbic acid solution (ASC) in prevention of radiation dermatitis
Exactly half of the patients (42) were randomized to ASC solution on left side of head with control lotion on right and the other half (42) were randomized to the reverse. At initiation of radiotherapy (RT), patients applied topical solutions (10% aqueous solution of L-ascorbic acid [L-ASC] and vehicle), twice per day prior to and throughout the course of RT, to left and right sides of the head.
Radiotherapist, principal investigator, supervising nurses, and patients were blinded as to the contents of the solutions.
The study was held at Duke University but included 10 cases from two United Kingdom facilities.
This was a quasiexperimental, double-blinded study; patients were used as their own controls.
Skin scores were done in accordance with the skin reaction criteria adopted by the RT committee of the CNS Cancer Consortium.
No discernible benefit exists to ascorbic acid lotion in the manner in which it was used in this trial for the prevention of radiation dermatitis.