Efficacy of Esomeprazole Cream in Preventing Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Cancer Patients.
J Pain Symptom ManageJun 2, 2026 (epub)
Monireh Maham, Kiumarth Amini, Amir Mohammad Goodarzi et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of 2% esomeprazole cream in preventing radiation-induced dermatitis (RID) in 36 patients with head and neck cancer. The study found that esomeprazole cream significantly reduced RID severity and delayed the onset of acute dermatitis compared to placebo, with notable improvements in skin burning, dryness, and pain over 8 weeks.
Key findings
- Esomeprazole cream significantly reduced RID severity compared to placebo.
- The cream delayed the onset of acute dermatitis in patients.
- Post-radiation skin burning, dryness, and pain were markedly reduced.
- No significant effect on overall quality of life was observed.
Why it matters
Effective management of radiation-induced dermatitis can enhance patient comfort and treatment adherence in cancer care. This study suggests that esomeprazole cream may be a beneficial adjunctive therapy for patients undergoing radiotherapy.