Mometasone furoate cream reduces acute radiation dermatitis in patients receiving breast radiation therapy: Results of a randomized trial

• Main Authors: Hindley, Andrew, Zain, Zakiyah, Wood, Lisa, Whitehead, Anne, Sanneh, Alison, Barber, David, Hornsby, Ruth
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier Inc. 2014
• Subjects: QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/18944/; http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2014.06.033

PURPOSE: We wanted to confirm the benefit of mometasone furoate (MF) in preventing acute radiation reactions, as shown in a previous study (Boström et al, Radiother Oncol 2001;59:257-265). METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study was a double-blind comparison of MF with D (Diprobase), administered daily from the start of radiation therapy for 5 weeks in patients receiving breast radiation therapy, 40 Gy in 2.67-Gy fractions daily over 3 weeks.The primary endpoint was mean modified Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) score.RESULTS: Mean RTOG scores were significantly less for MF than for D (P=.046).Maximum RTOG and mean erythema scores were significantly less for MF than for D (P=.018 and P=.012, respectively). The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score was significantly less for MF than for D at weeks 4 and 5 when corrected for Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) questionnaire scores.CONCLUSIONS: MF cream significantly reduces radiation dermatitis when applied to the breast during and after radiation therapy.For the first time, we have shown a significantly beneficial effect on quality of life using a validated instrument (DLQI), for a topical steroid cream. We believe that application of this cream should be the standard of care where radiation dermatitis is expected.