Homeopathy for the prevention of radiation dermatitis in patients with breast cancer: Randomized placebo controlled trial

3^rd World Congress on Women’s Health & Breast Cancer

October 03-05, 2016 London, UK

Neha Sharma

Warwick Research services, UK
NMP Medical Research Institute, India

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Cancer Sci Ther

Abstract :

Introduction: 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. Materials & 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=0.002). After the treatment, homeopathy group showed less itching (P<0.0001), less irritation (P<0.0001), less symptom persistence or recurrence (P=0.000), and less annoyance with skin problems (P=0.002); less burning sensation (P=0.002). 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 these patients. Conclusion: Patients receiving daily homeopathy during radiotherapy was significantly more effective in reducing radiation dermatitis.

Biography :

Email: warwickresearchuk@gmail.com