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Fullerene for Reducing Acute Radiation Dermatitis in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A
Zheran Liu1, Xiaoxia Liu1, Zhihui Li2
1Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Summary
Fullerene cream significantly reduced acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy compared to trolamine. This finding offers a promising new strategy for managing this common and debilitating side effect.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is a frequent and severe side effect of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
- Current ARD prevention strategies are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fullerene cream in preventing ARD compared to trolamine in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, controlled phase II trial involving 132 head and neck cancer patients.
- Patients received either fullerene or trolamine cream three times daily, starting 3 days before radiotherapy and continuing for 14 days post-treatment.
- ARD incidence (grade ≥2) was the primary endpoint, assessed weekly during and for 4 weeks after radiotherapy.
Main Results:
- The incidence of grade ≥2 ARD was significantly lower in the fullerene group (34.8%) compared to the trolamine group (83.3%).
- Fullerene demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in ARD severity and incidence.
Conclusions:
- Fullerene cream is an effective agent for reducing the incidence of acute radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients.
- This study supports fullerene as a superior alternative to trolamine for ARD prevention in radiotherapy patients.
