Evaluation of a novel skin care product for the management of chemotherapy-related dermatologic toxicities: A quasi-experimental study

J. Robijns*, J. Lodewijckx, M. Claes, L. Tuts, M. Lenaerts, T. Wessels, A. Requil, D. Luyten, J. Verheezen, E. Joosens, J. Mebis

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate the efficacy of a novel skincare product for the management of chemotherapy-related dermatological toxicities. Methods: A monocentric, prospective, interventional, open-label, pretest-posttest, single-group study with cancer patients receiving chemotherapy (n = 100) was set up. All enrolled patients applied the emollient daily to their face and body for three weeks. The severity of the skin reactions was evaluated by a researcher using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 at baseline and end of the trial. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) included the frequency and severity of skin symptoms (Numerical rating scale, NRS), quality of life (QoL; Skindex-16 and Dermatology Life Quality Index), Patient Benefit Index (PBI), and treatment satisfaction. PROs were collected at baseline, weekly, and at the end of the trial. Results: According to the CTCAE and NRS, the novel emollient significantly improved the severity and frequency of xerosis and pruritus (Ps <= .001). A significant reduction in the NRS score for frequency of erythema was measured (p < .001). The frequency and severity of burning and pain did not change. Regarding the patients' QoL, no beneficial effect of the skin care product was measurable. 44% of the patients experienced at least one patient-relevant treatment benefit. 87% of the patients were satisfied with the emollient and would recommend it. Conclusions: This study shows that the novel emollient significantly reduced chemotherapy-induced skin toxicity, more specifically xerosis and pruritus without hampering patient's QoL. Future research is needed to make definite conclusions using a study design including a control group and a long-term follow-up.
Original languageEnglish
Article number102278
Number of pages9
JournalEuropean Journal of Oncology Nursing
Volume63
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2023

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Chemotherapy
  • Emollient
  • Oncology
  • Skin care
  • Skin toxicity
  • QUALITY-OF-LIFE
  • CANCER-PATIENTS
  • PREVENTION
  • SKINDEX-29
  • IMPACT

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