Preventing the acute skin side effects in patients treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer: the use of corneometry in order to evaluate the protective effect of moisturizing creams

Abstract

Background and purposeThe purpose of this study was to add, to the objective evaluation, an instrumental assessment of the skin damage induced by radiation therapy.Materials and methodsA group of 100 patients affected by breast cancer was recruited in the study over one year. Patients were divided into five groups of 20 patients. For each group it was prescribed a different topical treatment. The following products were used: Betaglucan, sodium hyaluronate (Neoviderm®), Vitis vinifera A. s-I-M.t-O.dij (Ixoderm®), Alga Atlantica plus Ethylbisiminomethylguaicolo and Manganese Cloruro (Radioskin1®) and Metal Esculetina plus Ginko Biloba and Aloe vera (Radioskin 2®); Natural triglycerides-fitosterols (Xderit®); Selectiose plus thermal water of Avene (Trixera+®). All hydrating creams were applied twice a day starting 15 days before and one month after treatment with radiations. Before and during treatment patients underwent weekly skin assessments and corneometry to evaluate the symptoms related to skin toxicity and state of hydration. Evaluation of acute cutaneous toxicity was defined according to the RTOG scale.ResultsAll patients completed radiotherapy; 72% of patients presented a G1 cutaneous toxicity, 18% developed a G2 cutaneous toxicity, 10% developed a G3 toxicity, no one presented G4 toxicity. The corneometry study confirmed the protective role of effective creams used in radiation therapy of breast cancer and showed its usefulness to identify radiation-induced dermatitis in a very early stage.ConclusionsThe preventive use of topic products reduces the incidence of skin side effects in patients treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer. An instrumental evaluation of skin hydration can help the radiation oncologist to use strategies that prevent the onset of toxicity of high degree. All moisturizing creams used in this study were equally valid in the treatment of skin damage induced by radiotherapy.

Oral reconstruction with submental flap

“…[2021] Postoperative radiotherapy in malignant oral cavity lesions has inhibitory effect on hair growth of this flap. [22] These procedures are time consuming and costly, specially in patients with malignant oral cavity lesions who require postoperative radiotherapy. Moreover, the interval during which the hair is growing on the flap in oral cavity is not pleasing for the patients.…”

A Protocol for Management of the Hairs Problem in Oral Cavity Reconstruction by Submental Flap

“…These patients and children below the pubertal age, all fall in a distinct group without the need to have any plan about the problem of hairs. In the male patients in whom hairy submental flap is used for oral reconstruction and need radiotherapy, the side effect of radiation on hair follicles solves the problem spontaneously without the need for further intervention [10]. It may be necessary to consider 10 min appointment to remove the grown hairs in the episode between the flap transfer and beginning of radiotherapy with a hemostat.…”

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“…Aloe vera may also be used as a moisturizer for oily skin. Studies show that Aloe vera improves the skin's ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and has an effective penetrating ability that helps transport healthy substances through the skin 16 . Each of these factors makes Aloe vera an ideal ingredient in cosmetic and dermatological products.…”

“…The invaluable oligo-elements present in aloe juice, manganese and selenium, constitute the enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, recognized as powerful antioxidants and cellular anti-aging agents 16 . Their high antioxidants slow down the aging process.…”