Radiat Oncol J.  2014 Sep;32(3):156-162. 10.3857/roj.2014.32.3.156.

The safety and efficacy of EGF-based cream for the prevention of radiotherapy-induced skin injury: results from a multicenter observational study

• Kang HC
• Ahn SD
• Choi DH
• Kang MK
• Chung WK
• Wu HG

• KMID: 2316730
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3857/roj.2014.32.3.156

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.

Keyword

Radiation induced dermatitis; Cancer; Radiotherapy; Dermatitis; Epidermal growth factor

MeSH Terms

Breast Neoplasms
Dermatitis
Edema
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erythema
Humans
Observational Study*
Prospective Studies
Pruritus
Radiodermatitis
Radiotherapy
Skin*
Epidermal Growth Factor