A prospective randomized, placebo-controlled skin care study in women diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of three different skin care products versus a placebo in reducing the incidence of radiation therapy-induced skin reactions prophylactically.


METHODS
Prospective randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
A radiation oncology department at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the southeastern United States.


METHODS
208 women with breast cancer who were to receive whole breast radiation therapy.


METHODS
Patients were invited to participate after radiation therapy was documented as part of their treatment plan. Patients applied a skin care product starting on the first day of treatment and were assessed weekly by their radiation oncology nurse.


METHODS
Skin reaction score and skin product.


RESULTS
None of the products were statistically better than placebo in preventing skin reactions. Increases in skin reaction over time did not vary with treatment group for the linear (p = 0.16) and nonlinear (p = 0.94) effects of time and for both time components tested together (p = 0.41).


CONCLUSIONS
Ninety-five percent of women participating in this study experienced a radiation therapy-induced skin reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
The development of guidelines to support safe patient care is encouraged because patients prefer to take action rather than do nothing. However, the findings do not demonstrate improved clinical outcomes with the use of skin care products. Healthcare providers should proactively educate patients about acute skin reactions and self-care strategies to minimize skin breakdown.
Gosselin
Tracy K
TK
Oncology Services, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA. gosse001@mc.duke.edu
Schneider
Susan M
SM
Plambeck
Mary Ann
MA
Rowe
Krista
K
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004655:Emulsions / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017592:Skin Care / Q000451:nursing; D016896:Treatment Outcome
C423724:Biafine; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004655:Emulsions; D005782:Gels; D008055:Lipids; D009824:Ointments