Ravo, V., Calvanese, M.G., Di Franco, R., Crisci, V., Murino, P., Manzo, R., . . . Muto, P. (2011). Prevention of cutaneous damages induced by radiotherapy in breast cancer: an institutional experience. Tumori, 97(6), 732–736.
To evaluate the most efficient topical hydrating treatment in the prevention of cutaneous radio-induced effects in breast cancer
Topical treatments used in comparison were Pure Vitamin E; Omega 3, 6, and 9; Betaglucan; sodium hyaluronate; Ixoderm; and Xderit. Patients started using the skin emollients at the start of therapy until three months after completion of therapy. They were not allowed to use any other ointments during the course of therapy. Any patient who developed a grade 2 or higher skin toxicity stopped the topical treatment and were treated with cortisone creams.
The study took place in across multiple outpatient sites in Italy.
Patients were undergoing active antitumor treatment.
The study used an observational design.
The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer skin toxicity grading scale was used.
There were no grade 2 or 3 toxicities. No differences in toxicities associated with individual agents used could be determined because of the number of different agents used and the small number of patients observed.
No conclusions can be drawn from this report regarding any comparisons of topical agents used.
The study does not add much to evidence regarding prevention or management of radiodermatitis.