title: Mometasone furoate cream reduces acute radiation dermatitis in patients receiving breast radiation therapy: results of a randomized trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We wanted to confirm the benefit of mometasone furoate (MF) in preventing acute radiation reactions, as shown in a previous study (Boström et al, Radiother Oncol 2001;59:257-265).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was a double-blind comparison of MF with D (Diprobase), administered daily from the start of radiation therapy for 5 weeks in patients receiving breast radiation therapy, 40 Gy in 2.67-Gy fractions daily over 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was mean modified Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean RTOG scores were significantly less for MF than for D (P=.046). Maximum RTOG and mean erythema scores were significantly less for MF than for D (P=.018 and P=.012, respectively). The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score was significantly less for MF than for D at weeks 4 and 5 when corrected for Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) questionnaire scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MF cream significantly reduces radiation dermatitis when applied to the breast during and after radiation therapy. For the first time, we have shown a significantly beneficial effect on quality of life using a validated instrument (DLQI), for a topical steroid cream. We believe that application of this cream should be the standard of care where radiation dermatitis is expected.
authors.affiliation: Rosemere Cancer Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, United Kingdom. Electronic address: andrew.hindley@lthtr.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hindley
authors.affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Zakiyah
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zain
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Sciences, Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.affiliation: Medical and Pharmaceutical Statistics Research Unit, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Whitehead
authors.affiliation: Rosemere Cancer Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sanneh
authors.affiliation: Rosemere Cancer Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barber
authors.affiliation: Rosemere Cancer Centre, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hornsby
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004890:Erythema / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D000068656:Mometasone Furoate; D011244:Pregnadienediols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018401:Sample Size; D063465:Skin Cream / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004643:Emollients; D011244:Pregnadienediols; D000068656:Mometasone Furoate