Efficacy of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in preventing dermatitis in patients receiving postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer

Safe and effective prophylactic therapies for radiation-induced dermatitis remain an unmet need. A randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 study at Shandong First Medical University (China) found that profylactic use of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) solution, sprayed to the whole radiation field from day 1 of the radiation until 2 weeks after radiation completion, significantly reduced the incidence and severity of radiation-induced dermatitis in patient receiving adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer. EGCG has the potential to become a new choice of skin care for patients receiving radiotherapy.