Koukourakis, G.V., Kelekis, N., Kouvaris, J., Beli, I.K., & Kouloulias, V.E. (2010). Therapeutics interventions with anti-inflammatory creams in post radiation acute skin reactions: A systematic review of most important clinical trials. Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery, 4(2), 149–158.
To investigate through a systematic review what topical treatments are currently advocated to manage acute skin reactions, including creams, ointments, and dressings, and what evidence there is to support the use of these treatments
Databases used were MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Keywords searched radiation therapy, epidermis, acute skin reactions, and therapy. Studies were included if they
No exclusion criteria were identified in the article.
Total references retrieved, evaluation method, and comments on the literature used were not reported.
Patients were undergoing active treatment.
Washing with soap and water consistently demonstrated a benefit. The evidence for the use of aloe vera is mixed with one study showing harm. Biafine did not demonstrate a benefit nor a harm. Hyaluronic acid showed a benefit. Corticosteroid showed mixed results, with one study showing favorable results, two showing no increased benefit, and one study showing mixed results. Most of the evidence on topical sulcrafate shows no increased benefit in preventing and managing radiodermatitis. Dermofilm, a barrier film, showed a significant benefit in reducing moist desquamation among patients with breast cancer in one small study.
Additional studies with a larger sample and a blinded randomized controlled design are needed.