Table 2.
Characteristics of studies assessing management methods for radiation dermatitis.
| Intervention category | Total studies (RCTs) | Total number of patients (Median sample size; range) | Interventions identified (n) | Cancer site included (n) | Key findings | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical non-steroidal agents | 18 (9) | 2800 (61; 1–573) | Heparinoid (Hirudoid ®) (4); Hydroactive colloid gel (Flamigel ®) (3); Other (11) |
Breast (10); Head and neck (2); Multiple (5); Other (1) | There was inconsistent evidence supporting the use of heparinoid (Hirudoid) for the management of ARD. Insufficient evidence was reported to support the use of other interventions. | 15,29,30,39,197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210 |
| Topical corticosteroids | 2 (2) | 230 (115; 19–211) | Hydrocortisone (1); NS (1) | Head and neck (1); Multiple (1) |
Insufficient evidence was reported to support the use of any interventions for ARD management. | 211,212 |
| Barrier films and dressings | 13 (7) | 1216 (39; 12–357) | Mepilex ® Lite dressings (3); Other (10) | Head and neck (4); Breast (3); Multiple (5); Skin (1) | Mepilex Lite dressings were generally found to be effective in ARD management. Insufficient evidence was reported to support the use of all other interventions for ARD management. | 84,213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224 |
| Laser therapy | 5 (0) | 96 (4; 1–79) | Photobiomodulation (low-level laser) therapy (3); High level laser therapy (1); NS (1) |
Breast (2); Head and neck (1); Skeletal (1); Anal (1) |
Insufficient evidence was reported to support the use of any interventions for ARD management. | 225, 226, 227, 228, 229 |
| Natural and miscellaneous agents | 9 (4) | 528 (60; 24–126) | Honey (2); Holoil® (containing Hypericum Perforatum/St. John's-wort and Neem Oil) (2); Other (6) |
Breast (4); Head and neck (2); Multiple (3) |
Insufficient evidence was reported to support the use of any interventions for ARD management. | 145,230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237 |
| Alternative and multi-component therapies | 11 (4) | 422 (30; 1–90) | Hydrotherapy (1); Acupuncture (1); Mixed emulsion (1); Other (11) |
Breast (4); Head and neck (1); Multiple (6) | Insufficient evidence was reported to support the use of any interventions for ARD management. | 179,186,189,200,238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244 |
“n” indicates the number of studies.
RCT, randomized controlled trial; ARD, radiation dermatitis.