Aim: Investigate the effects of StrataXRT Ò versus 10% Glycerine (Sorbolene cream) for preventing and managing radiation dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radical radiotherapy (!50 Gy) with or without chemotherapy or biotherapy. Methods: A single-blind, randomised controlled, superiority trial was conducted. Patients either received StrataXRT Ò or Sorbolene (usual care). Skin toxicity, pain, itching and skin-related quality of life scores were collected from baseline, and up to four weeks post-treatment. Results: A total of 197 patients were randomised into the study. Skin toxicity was dependent on the treatment group with StrataXRT Ò patients experiencing lower mean skin toxicity at the end of the radiation treatment (P = 0.002). At the end of treatment, the StrataXRT Ò arm had a lower percentage of grade 2 (80%) and grade 3 (28%) skin toxicity compared to the sorbolene arm (91% and 45% respectively). After adjustment for Cetuximab, the StrataXRT Ò arm had a 12% lower risk of experiencing grade 2 skin toxicity (RRR = 0.876, 95% CI: 0.778-0.987, P = 0.031); and a 36% lower risk of experiencing grade 3 skin toxicity (RRR = 0.648, 95% CI: 0.442-0.947, P = 0.025). Cox regression analysis showed that patients receiving StrataXRT Ò had a 41.0% and 49.4% reduced risks of developing grade 2 and 3 skin toxicity respectively throughout treatment compared to the Sorbolene arm. There were no differences between groups in patient-reported outcomes. No treatment interruptions and study product related adverse events were reported in either arm. Conclusion: StrataXRT Ò is effective for preventing, and delaying the development of grade 2 and 3 skin toxicity. Trial registration: ACTRN12616000511437.
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