Posted in Radiation therapy

The purpose of the study was to investigate the safety, tolerability and preliminary effectiveness of topical epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) for radiation dermatitis in patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant radiotherapy. A  solution of green tea extract  sprayed on the radiated areas of the skin reduced severity of radiation-induced dermatitis. The Chinese team recruited women with breast cancer undergoing postoperative radiotherapy and randomised them (2:1) to rec...

Prophylactic use of a green tea constituent significantly reduced the incidence and severity of radiation-induced dermatitis (RID) in breast cancer patients in a randomised trial, researchers say. The incidence of grade 2 or worse RID was significantly lower in patients treated with the green tea constituent - epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG - than in the placebo group (50.5% vs 72.2%;P=0.008), Dr. Hanxi Zhao and colleagues from the Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute in China reporte...

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have uncovered how a process involved in the regeneration of tissue damaged by radiation can aid the spread of cancer. The spread of cancer around the body is a complex process, and understanding more about how it happens is vital to the development of new treatments. In their study, published in Nature Cancer today (Thursday), the scientists investigated the relationship between healthy tissue repair and cancer growth. They exposed healthy mouse ...

If you are receiving radiation, you’ll know that there are often side effects that range from mildly annoying to severely debilitating.  Even if you are not yet experiencing these symptoms, it’s still important to follow your self-care regimen to help reduce the severity of these side effects in the coming days. We’ve put together some self-care tips on getting through radiation and managing some side effects: 1.Try using unscented moisturising lotion to help with it...

Calendula is one of my favorite herbs. The petals can be applied externally for a wide range of skin problems. Such as inflammation, dry skin, abrasions, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, burns and cancer treatments. They are deeply healing to skin and safe enough for sore nipples with breastfeeding and delicate newborn skin. Calendula has antiseptic, antibacterial and astringent properties that work in tandem with it's healing abilities. I make Calendula oil by steeping Organic Calendula ...

Xerostomia (dry mouth) causes many clinical problems, including oral infections, speech difficulties, and impaired chewing and swallowing of food. Many cancer patients have complained of xerostomia induced by cancer therapy. Saliva, which consists of water (99%) and many electrolytes, immunoglobulins, proteins, enzymes, mucins, and nitrogenized products,serves important functions in maintaining the health of the oral cavity, speech, ingestion, and swallowing. Xerostomia is the feeling o...