Topical Boswellia Serrata 2% to Prevent Radiation Dermatitis in Head and Neck Cancer

Overview

This study evaluates a topical 2% Boswellia serrata (Indian olibanum) gum-resin cream for the prevention of acute radiation-induced dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Participants in the intervention group apply the cream to the radiation field twice daily throughout the radiotherapy course; the control group receives no preventive topical treatment (rescue treatment only if skin reactions occur). The two co-primary outcomes are the proportion of patients who require rescue treatment (e.g., topical corticosteroids or other topical interventions) for skin reactions, and the proportion whose skin condition is rated "improved" or "in remission" versus "unchanged" or "worsened" on a standardized change-of-condition assessment. Secondary outcomes include time to onset of radiodermatitis, maximal severity (RTOG and CTCAE grading), patient-reported symptoms (pain, itching, burning) and quality of life, radiotherapy interruptions due to skin toxicity, and safety/tolerability.

Background: Acute radiation-induced dermatitis is a common adverse effect in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, and it can impair quality of life and, when severe, contribute to treatment interruptions. Boswellia serrata gum resin (Indian olibanum) has recognized anti-inflammatory properties, and a topical boswellic-acid cream previously reduced skin-reaction severity and the need for rescue corticosteroids in breast radiotherapy. Evidence in head and neck cancer is lacking. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a 2% Boswellia serrata gum-resin topical cream in preventing or reducing acute radiation-induced dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Design: Non-randomized (quasi-experimental), open-label, interventional study with two parallel groups. The intervention group applies the 2% Boswellia cream to the radiation field twice daily throughout radiotherapy; the control group receives no preventive topical treatment (rescue treatment only if skin reactions occur). Planned enrollment is 60 participants (about 30 per group), based on an a priori power analysis for the difference in rescue-treatment requirement between groups. Setting: Alexandria University Main Hospitals and Ayady Almostakbal Hospital, Egypt. Assessments: Skin toxicity is graded at baseline, weekly during radiotherapy, at the end of radiotherapy, and at 2 and 4 weeks after radiotherapy, using both the RTOG acute radiation morbidity skin score and CTCAE v5.0. Patient-reported pain, itching, and burning (numeric rating scales) and a skin-related quality-of-life instrument are collected. Rescue interventions, adverse events, and radiotherapy interruptions are logged. Ethics: The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University (serial 0109668; IRB 00012098; FWA 00018699). Written informed consent is obtained from every participant before enrollment.