Togni, S., Maramaldi, G., Bonetta, A., Giacomelli, L., & Di Pierro, F. (2015). Clinical evaluation of safety and efficacy of Boswellia-based cream for prevention of adjuvant radiotherapy skin damage in mammary carcinoma: A randomized placebo controlled trial. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 19, 1338–1344. Retrieved from http://www.europeanreview.org/article/8795
To explore the anti-inflammatory and radiodermatitis prevention efficacy and safety of a Boswellia-based topical cream among patients with breast cancer
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Significantly more visually intense erythema existed in the placebo group compared to the Boswellia group in general (p = 0.009) and when no concurrent chemotherapy was used (p = 0.018). However, no statistically significant difference existed when concurrent chemotherapy was used (p = 0.258). A highly significant decrease was observed in the use of supplemental steroid cream in the Boswellia group (25%) compared to the placebo group (63%, p < 0.0001). More participants in the Boswellia group had grade 1 RTOG scores, and more participants in the placebo cream group had grade 2 scores. However, the difference was not significance (p = 0.066). No significant differences in adverse effects existed between groups.
Further studies are needed to compare Boswellia serrata with other topical products among patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy.
The process of randomization was not well described. The first two authors are employed by and fourth author is a consultant for a company that develops botanical pharmaceuticals. Patient use of both a topical steroid cream with Boswellia serrate cream may prohibit the full pharmacologic outcome of using just one topical cream.
Boswellia serrata may be useful in reducing breast radiodermatitis. However, additional larger and independent studies are needed.