Topical Ectoin Versus Topical Dexpanthenol for Managing Acute Radiodermatitis Associated With Breast Cancer...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Radiodermatitis is a frequent complication of breast cancer radiotherapy.
• Current standard therapies for radiodermatitis lack consensus on effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of topical ectoin and dexpanthenol in managing acute radiodermatitis.
• To assess the impact on radiation-associated symptoms and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized study involving 50 breast cancer patients.
• Patients received either ectoin 7% cream or dexpanthenol 5% cream twice daily during and after radiotherapy.
• Assessment included radiodermatitis grade, symptoms, adverse events, and Skindex-16 quality of life scores.

Main Results:

• Both ectoin and dexpanthenol were effective in preventing severe radiodermatitis (≥G3).
• Ectoin showed significantly lower radiodermatitis grades, pain, and itching compared to dexpanthenol.
• Ectoin use resulted in less impairment of skin-related quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Topical ectoin offers a clinical benefit over dexpanthenol for radiation dermatitis management.
• The radiotherapy schedule is an independent predictor of radiodermatitis persistence.