Topical Use of Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-Based Cream to Prevent Radiation Dermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients: a Single-Blind Randomized Preliminary Study

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a recombinant human epidermalgrowth factor (EGF)-based cream for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patientsreceiving radiotherapy (RT). Materials and <br/><b>Methods</b>: Between December 2012 and April 2013, 40 breast cancerpatients who received postoperative RT were prospectively enrolled in this study and randomly assigned toreceive human recombinant EGF-based cream (intervention group) or general supportive skin care (controlgroup). The grade of radiation dermatitis and pain score were examined at weekly intervals during RT and 6weeks after RT completion. <br/><b>Results</b>: All patients completed the planned RT and complied well with instructionsfor applying the study cream and general supportive skin care. In the intervention group, radiation dermatitis ofmaximum grade 3, 2, and 1 developed in 3 (15%), 11 (55%), and 6 patients (30%), respectively. In comparison,in the control group, radiation dermatitis of maximum grade 3, 2, and 1 developed in 8 (40%), 10 (50%), and2 patients (10%), respectively. The intervention group showed lower incidence of grade 3 radiation dermatitisthan the control group (p=0.068 in univariate analysis and p=0.035 in multivariate analysis). There was nostatistically significant difference in the maximal pain score between the two groups (p=0.934). <br/><b>Conclusions</b>:This single-blind randomized preliminary study showed that recombinant human EGF-based cream can have abeneficial role in preventing or minimizing radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients. To confirm the resultsof our study, additional studies with a large sample size are required.