2344 - Topical Honeysuckle Flower Gel for Radiation Dermatitis: A Novel Approach to Prevention and Management

Purpose/Objective(s): The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of topical honeysuckle flower gel, a novel natural extract-based gel with tissue-repairing and anti-inflammatory properties, in preventing and managing radiation dermatitis caused by radiotherapy for breast and head and neck cancers. Acute skin reactions are a common side effect of radiation therapy, and honeysuckle flower, a traditional Chinese medicine known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, has been historically used in treating inflammation and infectious diseases. This study aims to assess its potential as a supportive care agent for radiation-induced skin damage.

Materials/Methods: The study was a single-center, open-label pilot clinical trial to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of using topical honeysuckle flower gel during radiotherapy for breast and head and neck cancer patients. The study enrolled breast and head and neck cancer patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were scheduled to receive postoperative radiotherapy after giving informed consent. Patients were instructed to use topical honeysuckle flower gel on the treated area three times daily throughout the duration of radiotherapy and for two weeks after its completion, or until grade = 3 skin toxicity developed. Subjects were required to attend follow-up evaluations at the clinic on a weekly basis during treatment and two and six weeks after the completion of radiotherapy. These evaluations included a physical examination, and the administration of Skindex-16 questionnaires to assess patients’ quality of life(QoL), measuring skin moisture using a Corneometer CM® 820, and taking photographs. The total duration of the study for each subject was approximately 3.5 months and was conducted at China Medical University Hospital.

Results: A total of 23 subjects were enrolled in the study, but 2 subjects withdrew due to the development of grade 3 radiation dermatitis, one from the breast cancer group and one from the head and neck cancer group. No one experienced adverse events during the study period. All BC patients underwent Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) whereas HNC patients underwent Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). At the end of the radiotherapy, 14 patients (61%) experienced G1, seven (30%) experienced G2, and two patients (9%) experienced G3 skin toxicity after 5 weeks. This result was better than a previous study using the IMRT technique (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00563407), which reported 2 patients (2%) with G1, 58 (64%) with G2, and 30 patients (33%) with G3 skin toxicity. The skin moisture level tended to decrease as the severity of skin reactions increased. A relationship between Skindex-16 scores and the severity of skin toxicity during treatment was identified.

Conclusion: The study confirms topical honeysuckle flower gel as a safe, effective option for managing radiation-induced skin toxicity, potentially reducing severity and improving quality of life.