| Popis: |
INTRODUCTION: Radiation dermatitis is a common sequela of radiotherapy (RT) that can affect up to 95% of patients, developing moderate to severe skin reactions in up to 30% of them. Variation in fractionation or administration methods may reduce the incidence and severity of radiation dermatitis. It is considered that topical use of preparations holding certain preservatives, surfactants, additives, oils, and impurities should be avoided in cancer patients. In clinical practice, creams of different compositions are used, with and without Epidermal Growth Factor (EFG). OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of three creams of different compositions for the control of symptoms and skin side effects of RT.METHODS: A pilot study comparing three treatment groups (HR, HU, and RS creams) during the RT program and with a follow-up of 2 weeks thereafter. Study variables: fractionation, Patient-Observer scale, Maxidex (elasticity, hydration, melanin, erythema).RESULTS: The pilot study sample included 15 patients (5 for each group), so the results were not statistically significant. There were no undesirable side effects to the application of the creams under study and compliance and tolerance were excellent.Regardless of fractionation, RS cream appears to be more effective in controlling symptoms during RT, while HU cream may control them more effectively after the RT regimen is completed.During RT, in hypofractionated therapies, the RS cream seems to preserve elasticity, hydration, and hyperpigmentation allowing erythema that could increase skin repair processes. After the RT is finished, the HR cream further improves elasticity and allows the appearance of erythema.In normofractionated therapies during RT all creams seem to have comparable results in the four cutaneous components analyzed; after completion of RT, HR cream appears to better control hydration and hyperpigmentation.CONCLUSIONS: All the creams analyzed have good control of symptoms and the appearance of the skin during and after RT. The prescription of one or another composition should be done individually according to the cutaneous and clinical particularities of each patient. A study with experimental design is needed to analyze the statistical significance of the differences between the creams analyzed. |
