The safety and efficacy of EGF-based cream for the prevention of radiotherapy-induced skin injury: results from a multicenter observational study.
10.3857/roj.2014.32.3.156
- Author:
Hyun Cheol KANG
1
;
Seung Do AHN
;
Doo Ho CHOI
;
Min Kyu KANG
;
Woong Ki CHUNG
;
Hong Gyun WU
Author Information
1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. wuhg@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Multicenter Study ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Radiation induced dermatitis;
Cancer;
Radiotherapy;
Dermatitis;
Epidermal growth factor
- MeSH:
Breast Neoplasms;
Dermatitis;
Edema;
Epidermal Growth Factor;
Erythema;
Humans;
Observational Study*;
Prospective Studies;
Pruritus;
Radiodermatitis;
Radiotherapy;
Skin*
- From:Radiation Oncology Journal
2014;32(3):156-162
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topically applied recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) for the prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis in cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2010 to April 2012, a total of 1,172 cancer patients who received radiotherapy (RT) of more than 50 Gy were prospectively enrolled and treated with EGF-based cream. An acute skin reaction classified according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 6-point rating scale was the primary end point and we also assessed the occurrence of edema, dry skin, or pruritus. RESULTS: The percentage of radiation dermatitis with maximum grade 0 and grade 1 was 19% and 58% at the time of 50 Gy, and it became 29% and 47% after completion of planned RT. This increment was observed only in breast cancer patients (from 18%/62% to 32%/49%). Adverse events related to the EGF-based cream developed in 49 patients (4%) with mild erythema the most common. Skin toxicity grade >2 was observed in 5% of the patients. Edema, dry skin, and pruritus grade > or =3 developed in 9%, 9%, and 1% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic use of an EGF-based cream is effective in preventing radiation dermatitis with tolerable toxicity. Further studies comparing EGF cream with other topical agents may be necessary.
