Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: A consecutive series of 28 head and neck cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy (RT) was enrolled onto this mono-institutional single-arm prospective observational study. Patients undergoing both definitive or post-operative radiotherapy were allowed, either as exclusive modality or combined with (concomitant or induction) chemotherapy. We started Holoil treatment whenever bright erythema, moderate oedema or patchy moist desquamation were observed. Holoil® was used during all RT course and during follow up time, until acute skin toxicity recovery. RESULTS: The maximum detected acute skin toxicity was Grade 1 in 7% of patients, Grade 2 in 68%, Grade 3 in 25%, while at the end of RT was Grade 0 in 3.5%, Grade 1 in 32%, Grade 2 in 61%, Grade 3 in 3.5%. For patients having G2 acute skin toxicity, it mainly started at weeks 4-5; for those having G3, it began during weeks 5-6. Median times spent with G2 or G3 toxicity were 17.5 and 11 days. Patients having G2 acute skin toxicity had a dermatitis worsening in 27% of case (median occurrence time: 7 days). G3 events were reconverted to a G2 profile in all patients (median time: 7 days). Those experiencing a G2 skin event were converted to a G1 score in 23% of cases (median time: 14 days). Time between maximum acute skin toxicity and complete skin recovery after RT was 27 days. CONCLUSIONS: Holoil® proved to be a safe and active option in the management of acute skin toxicity in head and neck cancer patients submitted to RT or chemo- radiotherapy. A prophylactic effect in the prevention of moist desquamation may be hypothesized for hypericum and neem oil and need to be tested within a prospective controlled study.
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Authors | Pierfrancesco Franco, Ilenia Potenza, Francesco Moretto, Mattia Segantin, Mario Grosso, Antonello Lombardo, Daniela Taricco, Patrizia Vallario, Andrea Riccardo Filippi, Monica Rampino, Umberto Ricardi |
Journal | Radiation oncology (London, England)
(Radiat Oncol)
Vol. 9
Pg. 297
(Dec 29 2014)
ISSN: 1748-717X [Electronic] England |
PMID | 25544371
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Observational Study)
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Chemical References |
- Glycerides
- Plant Extracts
- Terpenes
- neem oil
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Topics |
- Acute Disease
- Adult
- Aged
- Chemoradiotherapy
(adverse effects, methods)
- Female
- Flowers
(chemistry)
- Glycerides
(therapeutic use)
- Head and Neck Neoplasms
(radiotherapy)
- Humans
- Hypericum
(chemistry)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Phytotherapy
(methods)
- Plant Extracts
(therapeutic use)
- Prospective Studies
- Radiodermatitis
(drug therapy)
- Radiotherapy
(adverse effects)
- Terpenes
(therapeutic use)
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