Clinical journal of oncology nursing | 2021
Radiation-Induced Skin Dermatitis: Treatment With CamWell® Herb to Soothe® Cream in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND\nRadiation-induced skin dermatitis (RISD) is a common outcome experienced by adult patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who have undergone radiation therapy. There is no standardized recommended agent for the prevention or management of RISD.\n\n\nOBJECTIVES\nThe primary objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate for effectiveness of a botanical topical agent, CamWell® Herb to Soothe® cream, on RISD.\n\n\nMETHODS\n112 patients with HNC undergoing radiation therapy self-reported their RISD topical skin care agent during treatment as standard of care, CamWell used prophylactically, or CamWell use started after the first week of treatment. The primary endpoint was impact of RISD on the patient, as measured by mean Skindex-16 score throughout treatment. Measures were completed weekly.\n\n\nFINDINGS\nThe mean Skindex score was statistically significantly lower for the prophylactic group than for the standard-of-care group. CamWell may have played a role in managing RISD when compared to standard-of-care agents.