Hydroactive colloid gel vs historical controls for the prevention of radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation in breast cancer patients: preliminary results

Background

Radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation (RIMD) is a painful side effect that might jeopardize radiotherapy outcomes. Previously, we found that the curative use of a hydroactive colloid gel, compared with dexpanthenol, significantly reduced the incidence of RIMD. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of this same hydrogel in the prevention of RIMD.

Methods

Breast cancer patients scheduled for radiotherapy post-lumpectomy applied the hydroactive colloid gel from start to end of radiotherapy (Preventive Hydrogel group). They were compared with two groups of matched historical controls: One group applied a dexpanthenol cream throughout radiotherapy, the other replaced dexpanthenol with the hydrogel from day 11-14 of therapy (Curative Hydrogel Group). Eligibility and radiotherapy fractionation (25#2 Gray [Gy] followed by a 8#2-Gy boost) regimen were the same for the three groups. The incidence of RIMD was analysed through two-sample proportion tests (two-tailed) and logistic regressions.

Results

Overall, the incidence of RIMD was the lowest in the Preventive Hydrogel group (see Table 1). Although the difference with the Curative Hydrogel group did not reach significance when taking breast size into account, logistic regressions confirmed that patients in the Preventive Hydrogel group were at lowest risk of developing RIMD, irrespective of breast size (chi-square = 39.59, p 

Conclusions

These findings confirm and extend previous results: Applying the hydroactive colloid gel from the start of breast cancer radiotherapy, rather than after fraction 11-14 or than dexpanthenol, significantly reduces the risk of developing RIMD.

Clinical trial identification

Legal entity responsible for the study

Jessa Hospital

Funding

Jessa Hospital, Hasselt

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.