Neha Sharma
Warwick Research services, UK
Title: Homeopathy for the prevention of radiation dermatitis in patients with breast cancer: Randomized placebo controlled trial
Biography
Biography: Neha Sharma
Abstract
Radiation dermatitis is most common side effects of radiotherapy during cancer treatment, causing itching and pain, treatment delays, and diminished aesthetic appearance-and poor quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of homeopathy treatment on radiation-induced skin reactions in breast cancer patients.
Material and Methods:
Double-blinded, randomized placebo controlled trial recruited patients from 3 cancer centers in North India. 160 patients after the surgery scheduled for postoperative radiotherapy were randomized in either homeopathy (n=80) or placebo group(n=80) . Provider-assessed maximum grade of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) was primary endpoint of the study. Secondary endpoints included the Skindex-16, the Skin Toxicity, Symptom Experience, and quality of life self-assessment. Assessment was performed at baseline, weekly during radiotherapy, and for 4 weeks after.
Results:
In total, 148 patients completed (homeopathy, n=76; placebo, n=72). Follow up showed significant difference in maximum grade of radiation dermatitis by homeopathy (P < 0.5). CTCAE toxicity was greater in placebo group (P=.002). after the treatment, homeopathy group showed less itching (P<.0001), less irritation (P <0.0001), less symptom persistence or recurrence (P=.000), and less annoyance with skin problems (P=.002); less burning sensation (P=.002). Also, during follow-up period, less percentage of patients in homeopathy (23.6%) developed dermatitis compared to placebo group (77.8%) which indicates sooner improvement of this patients.
Conclusion:
Patients receiving daily homeopathy during radiotherapy is significantly more effective in reducing radiation dermatitis.