Xenogeneic platelet-rich plasma lotion for preventing acute radiation dermatitis in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy: An open-label, randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Breast cancer patients experience acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) during radiation therapy (RT). This study investigated the prophylactic effect of a newly developed xenogeneic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) lotion on ARD for breast cancer patients.

Methods

This study enrolled patients with ductal carcinoma in situ and early-stage invasive breast cancers after breast-conserving surgery. Hypofractionated whole-breast RT (42.5 Gy in 16 fractions) followed by tumour bed boost (10 Gy in 5 fractions) was used. The patients were randomly assigned to XONRID® gel (n = 48) or PRP lotion (n = 52) groups. We recorded the skin toxicity weekly during RT and at 2 weeks after RT. ARD was graded on the basis of the RTOG definition by two senior radiation oncologists, and the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were subjectively scored by patients.

Results

Grade 3–4 ARD was noted in three (6 %) patients in the XONRID® gel group and no patients in the PRP lotion group (p < 0.001). One patient did not complete RT in the XONRID® gel group due to intolerable pain and refused to complete the weekly questionnaires and follow-ups. Compared with the XONRID® gel group, the PRP lotion group had significantly reduced and delayed progression of mean ARD (p = 0.001), lower mean NRS for pain value (p = 0.021) and lower mean DLQI (p = 0.048).

Conclusions

This randomized controlled trial is the first to use xenogeneic PRP lotion for ARD prevention. This lotion has prophylactic effects against ARD and thus improves quality of life of patients undergoing RT.