Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Schmuth, M; Wimmer, MA; Hofer, S; Sztankay, A; Weinlich, G; Linder, DM; Elias, PM; Fritsch, PO; Fritsch, E.
Topical corticosteroid therapy for acute radiation dermatitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.
Br J Dermatol. 2002; 146(6):983-991
Doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04751.x
Web of Science
PubMed
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- Co-authors Med Uni Graz
- Linder Michael Dennis
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- Abstract:
- Background Radiation dermatitis is a common side-effect of radiation therapy, but there is no current consensus about its appropriate therapy. Objectives To compare treatment with topical 0.1% methylprednisolone vs. 0.5% dexpanthenol in a cohort of patients undergoing fractionated radiation therapy for breast cancer. Methods In a randomized, double-blind design, treatment was initiated at the beginning of radiation therapy and continued for 2 weeks after termination of radiation. Outcomes were compared by three different measures: clinical (symptom score), functional (transepidermal water loss, TEWL) and subjective (quality of life, QOL). Results In a preliminary cohort of untreated patients undergoing radiation therapy, clinical signs and TEWL levels increased progressively during radiation therapy, reaching highest values at 5 and 4 weeks, respectively. Although neither topical treatment reduced the incidence of radiation dermatitis, both delayed the emergence of greatest clinical and TEWL scores until approximately 6 and 5 weeks, respectively. With topical corticosteroids, clinical symptoms and TEWL were less pronounced than with dexpanthenol. Whereas general QOL improved after completion of radiation therapy, skin-related QOL declined. However, the skin-related QOL decline could be at least in part reversed by use of topical corticosteroid vs. dexpanthenol-containing emollient. Conclusions We provide evidence that prophylactic and ongoing use of topical therapy with either topical corticosteroid or a dexpanthenol-containing emollient ameliorates, but does not prevent radiation dermatitis. Our data suggest, but do not prove, a benefit of a topical corticosteroid vs. a dexpanthenol-containing emollient. Further controlled studies with larger cohorts will be needed to determine optimal forms of topical therapy for radiation dermatitis.
- Find related publications in this database (using NLM MeSH Indexing)
- Acute Disease -
- Administration, Topical -
- Adult -
- Aged -
- Aged, 80 and over -
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents - administration & dosage
- Breast Neoplasms - radiotherapy
- Cohort Studies -
- Double-Blind Method -
- Female -
- Glucocorticoids -
- Humans -
- Methylprednisolone - administration & dosage Methylprednisolone - analogs & derivatives
- Middle Aged -
- Ointments -
- Pantothenic Acid - administration & dosage Pantothenic Acid - analogs & derivatives
- Prospective Studies -
- Radiodermatitis - drug therapy Radiodermatitis - etiology
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- corticosteroids
- inflammation
- lipids
- permeability barrier function
- skin disease
- topical therapy