What is Radiation Dermatitis?

Radiation dermatitis is an unintended and often unavoidable skin reaction commonly experienced by patients receiving radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment. This side effect, caused by radiation passing through skin cells, is often unpleasant and painful and may contribute to poor quality of life in cancer patients. In some cases, radiation dermatitis may become so severe as to necessitate interruption or cessation of radiation therapy.



Who Suffers from Radiation Dermatitis?

All cancer patients receiving radiation therapy are at risk for skin damage. However, incidence of radiation dermatitis varies by cancer type and radiation therapy regimen. It is estimated that more than 90% of patients treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer will develop radiation-induced dermatitis.(*1)



Symptoms of Radiation Dermatitis

Reddening of the skin, an initial sign of radiation dermatitis, may appear as early as the first treatment. Symptoms may also include the following:

• epilation (hair loss)
• dry desquamation
• wet desquamation
• decreased sweating
• edema (swelling)
• ulcerations
• bleeding
• skin cell death

Symptom progression depends on the total radiation dose, fractionation, total duration of treatment, volume of tissue irradiated, and type of radiation delivered.



What are the treatment options for Radiation Dermatitis?

A wide variety of products (including many over-the-counter products) have been used to treat radiation dermatitis with little or no evidence to support their use. In general, emollients or hydrating lotions are used duringthe early stages of the condition. If symptoms progress, however, topical corticosteroids, dressings, and radiation dose reduction, among a variety of other treatments, may be necessary.


Xclair™ Cream – A New standard of care
for radiation dermatitis

Xclair™ Cream is a water-based cream with barrier-forming properties.(*2) Because it does not interfere with the efficacy of radiation therapy, it can be used before, during, or after treatment.(*2) Because Xclair Cream does not contain steroids, immunomodulating substances, alcohol, or fragrance, its use will not aggravate damaged skin and is highly acceptable for most patients.

Xclair Cream is well tolerated and preferred by most patients and physicians.(*2) Its active ingredients include the following(*3):

• Hyaluronic acid—increases hydration to HYDRATE
• Glycyrrhetinic acid—reduces inflammation to SOOTHE
• Anti-protease and antioxidant compounds—reduce cell damage to PROTECT
  

How can I obtain Xclair™ Cream?

Xclair Cream is a prescription only product.  Your physician will need to provide you with a prescription that you may take to your local or mail order pharmacy to get filled.  If your pharmacy has difficulty ordering Xclair Cream, download this form and bring to your pharmacist.

Please refer to the Package Insert for specific product and prescribing information.

References: 1. Harper JL, Franklin LE, Jenretter JM, Aguero EG. Skin toxicity during breast irradiation: pathophysiology and management. South Med J. 2004;97:989-993. 2. Primavera G, Carrera M, Pinnaro P, Messina M, Arcangeli G, Berardesca E. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate a topical hyaluronic acid-based, hydrolipidic treatment for radiation dermatitis. Presented at: ECCO 13—The European Cancer Conference; October 30–November 3, 2005; Paris, France. 3. Xclair Cream [package insert]. Cary, NC: ALIGN Pharmaceuticals; 2005.