Merchant, T.E., Bosley, C., Smith, J., Baratti, P., Pritchard, D., Davis, T., . . . Xiong, X. (2007). A phase III trial comparing an anionic phospholipid-based cream and aloe vera-based gel in the prevention of radiation dermatitis in pediatric patients. Radiation Oncology, 2, 45.
To compare an APP-based cream and an aloe vera-based gel to determine effectiveness in preventing and treating radiation dermatitis
The side treated with cream or gel was chosen randomly for each patient at the beginning of treatment. The nurse applied aloe vera gel and APP skin cream to the designated study site. Patients were evaluated once during each interval of five treatments and on the last day of treatment by the radiation oncologist. Follow-up examinations were done four to six weeks after completion of radiation therapy, with completion of questionnaires and photographs.
The study took place at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
The study used a quasiexperimental design in which patients served as their own controls.
Some patients rated the APP cream better in terms of comfort and skin dryness. Grouped NCI CTCAE scores were supportive of APP cream (p = 0.004)
APP cream is more effective than aloe vera-based gel for prevention and treatment of radiation dermatitis.