Aloe, Chamomile, and Thyme Cream's Effect on Radiation-Induced Skin Irritation

Jenn Hoskins
26th January, 2024

Aloe, Chamomile, and Thyme Cream's Effect on Radiation-Induced Skin Irritation

Flowchart of the research phases of the Alantel study

Image adapted from: Jimenez-Garcia et al. / CC BY (Source)
Radiotherapy, a common cancer treatment, often causes skin inflammation known as radiation-induced dermatitis (RD). This can range from mild redness to severe blistering, impacting a patient’s quality of life. Traditional treatments can have ongoing side effects, leading researchers to explore preventative and early-stage solutions using natural, moisturizing products. The Cordoba-Guadalquivir Health District is currently conducting a clinical trial[1] to assess the effectiveness of a new cream, Alantel, in preventing and treating RD in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The study is designed as a controlled clinical trial involving 88 patients with breast cancer receiving radiotherapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving Alantel, and the other a standard moisturizing cream. Both groups will use the cream throughout their 15-day radiotherapy treatment and for one week after completion. The primary goal is to measure the rate of mild RD experienced by each group. Researchers will follow patients through four visits with their primary care physicians to monitor skin condition. Data will be analyzed to determine if Alantel demonstrably reduces the incidence of RD compared to the standard moisturizer, while also accounting for other factors that might influence results. This approach aligns with current recommendations emphasizing skin hydration and moisturization as a first-line defense against dermatitis[2]. Previous research has highlighted the benefits of consistent emollient use, even suggesting that applying moisturizer alone can be more effective than bathing followed by moisturizer[2]. The current study builds on this by investigating a specific, naturally-derived cream formulation designed to not only moisturize but also reduce inflammation and support skin healing. The development of Alantel aims to address several key aspects of dermatitis management. It’s formulated to reduce redness and irritation, boost the local immune response, and counteract immunosenescence – the age-related decline of the immune system – all of which contribute to skin vulnerability. This is particularly relevant in cancer patients, whose immune systems may be compromised by both the disease and the treatment. Interestingly, a separate study demonstrated the effectiveness of Aloe vera in reducing the severity of radiation-induced dermatitis[3], further supporting the potential of natural products in this context. While Aloe vera and Alantel are distinct formulations, both represent a shift towards utilizing natural compounds to mitigate the side effects of cancer treatment. The study acknowledges potential challenges, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the time required to recruit patients given specific eligibility criteria. The restrictive selection criteria and coordinated recruitment through a single radiotherapy oncology service could impact the speed of enrollment. Despite these limitations, the trial’s rigorous design – including a triple-blind approach and intention-to-treat analysis – aims to provide robust evidence regarding Alantel’s efficacy. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04116151), ensuring transparency and adherence to ethical research standards.

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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: a controlled clinical trial (Alantel Trials).

Published 25th January, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-024-07901-8

Related Studies

2) Quantitative assessment of combination bathing and moisturizing regimens on skin hydration in atopic dermatitis.

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1470.2009.00911.x

3) Aloe vera for prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis: a self-controlled clinical trial.

https://doi.org/10.3747/co.20.1356


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