Aloe Vera Cream's Effect on Mild Radiodermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients

Jim Crocker
16th April, 2024

Aloe Vera Cream's Effect on Mild Radiodermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • In Cordoba University's study, Alantel® cream reduced radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients
  • Patients using Alantel® experienced less disruption to work and hobbies due to better skin condition
  • The study suggests natural product-based creams like Alantel® could improve quality of life during radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancer, but it often comes with a troublesome side effect: radiation-induced dermatitis (RD). RD is a skin condition that can cause redness, itching, and even painful sores. This is a significant issue for patients, as it can affect their quality of life and sometimes even interrupt their cancer treatment. To address this, researchers have been exploring various treatments, including corticosteroids and natural products (NPs), to alleviate the symptoms of RD. A recent study conducted by Cordoba University[1] has shed new light on the potential benefits of a natural product-based cream, Alantel®, for women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. The study aimed to determine whether this cream could reduce the incidence of RD compared to a standard moisturizer and emollient cream. The research involved a controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial, which is considered the gold standard in clinical research because it minimizes bias and provides more reliable results. Seventy patients were split into two groups: one treated with Alantel® (GTA) and the other with the control cream (GTE). The primary measure was the incidence of RD, with secondary outcomes including RD-free time, duration of RD, quality of life, and product safety. The results were promising. After four weeks, the incidence of RD was significantly lower in the GTA group compared to the GTE group. Moreover, patients using Alantel® reported less impact on their ability to work or engage in hobbies due to their skin condition. These findings suggest that Alantel® could be a more effective option for reducing the incidence of RD in this patient population. The study's findings resonate with previous research that has explored the use of natural products for the same purpose. For instance, an earlier study[2] found that an Aloe vera-based cream was effective in delaying the onset of radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients. Similarly, another study[3] showed that a chamomile formulation helped reduce the severity and improve the recovery of skin affected by RD in women with breast cancer. These studies indicate a growing body of evidence supporting the use of natural product-based treatments for RD. However, not all studies have found positive results with natural products. A previous clinical trial[4] concluded that an aloe vera gel did not prevent radiation therapy-induced dermatitis. This discrepancy highlights the importance of continued research to identify which formulations and ingredients are truly beneficial for RD. Interestingly, another study[5] found that a chamomile gel had potential efficacy in delaying the onset of dermatitis and reducing symptoms like itching and burning compared to a urea cream. This suggests that the concentration and the specific preparation of the natural product might play a crucial role in its effectiveness. The recent findings from Cordoba University not only add to the evidence supporting the use of NPs in managing RD but also provide a specific product that could be recommended for women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. It's important to note that while Alantel® showed higher efficacy in this study, every patient's situation is unique, and treatments should be tailored to the individual. In conclusion, the study from Cordoba University offers new hope for breast cancer patients struggling with the side effects of radiation therapy. By demonstrating the effectiveness of Alantel® in reducing the incidence of RD, this research could lead to better management strategies and improved quality of life for many patients. As with all medical treatments, further research is essential to confirm these findings and to understand how best to integrate natural product-based creams into the broader treatment plans for cancer patients.

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References

Main Study

1) Efficacy of an aloe vera, chamomile, and thyme cosmetic cream for the prophylaxis and treatment of mild dermatitis induced by radiation therapy in breast cancer patients (the Alantel study).

Published 15th April, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101288

Related Studies

2) An Aloe Vera-Based Cosmeceutical Cream Delays and Mitigates Ionizing Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Curative Radiotherapy: A Clinical Study.

https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines4030044

3) A Chitosan-Coated Chamomile Microparticles Formulation to Prevent Radiodermatitis in Breast: A Double-blinded, Controlled, Randomized, Phase II Clinical Trial.

https://doi.org/10.1097/COC.0000000000000905

4) Phase III double-blind evaluation of an aloe vera gel as a prophylactic agent for radiation-induced skin toxicity.

Journal: International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics, Issue: Vol 36, Issue 2, Sep 1996

5) Chamomile Gel versus Urea Cream to Prevent Acute Radiation Dermatitis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Results from a Preliminary Clinical Trial.

https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735420962174


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