Prophylactic EGCG reduces radiation induced dermatitis in breast cancer patients: JAMA

China: Prophylactic use of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) significantly reduces the occurrence of radiation-induced dermatitis (RID) in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy, states a recent study published in JAMA Dermatology. This implies that the EGCG solution may be a convenient, well-tolerated, and valid option for breast cancer patients at risk for RID. 

There is an unmet need for safe and effective prophylactic therapies for radiation-induced dermatitis. Considering this, Hanxi Zhao, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China, and colleagues aimed to determine if EGCG solution reduces the incidence of RID in patients undergoing radiotherapy after breast cancer surgery in phase 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

The trial enrolled 180 patients with breast cancer receiving postoperative radiotherapy at Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute in Shandong, China. 165 were randomly assigned in the ratio of 2:1 to receive either EGCG solution (660 μmol/L; n=111) or placebo (0.9% NaCl saline; n=54) sprayed on the whole radiation field from day 1 of the radiation until 2 weeks after radiation completion.

Incidence of grade 2 or worse RID, defined by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scale was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints included the RID index (RIDI), symptom index, changes in the skin temperature measured by infrared thermal images, and safety. 

To conclude, the use of EGCG has the potential to become a new standard of skin care for patients receiving radiotherapy.

Reference:

Zhao H, Zhu W, Zhao X, et al. Efficacy of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in Preventing Dermatitis in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Postoperative Radiotherapy: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. Published online June 01, 2022. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.1736