Topical Prevention of Radiation Dermatitis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Network Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background/aim: Head and neck cancer is a major malignancy worldwide. The treatment strategy for head and neck cancer usually involves radiotherapy. The main side effect of radiotherapy is radiation dermatitis. Thus, determining the most effective topical regimen for the prevention of radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients is a critical issue.

Patients and methods: PRISMA-NMA guidelines were used in this network meta-analysis. We included only randomized control trials. A random effects model was used. Heterogeneity was evaluated by I² and Cochran's Q tests.

Results: We included a total of 1,304 patients in the network meta-analysis. Among them, olive oil was the only effective regimen when compared with usual care (OR=0.18, 95%CI=0.03-0.95). The I² value was 56%. The test of heterogeneity yielded a p-value of 0.10.

Conclusion: Olive oil was the most effective regimen for the prevention of radiation dermatitis.

Keywords: Radiotherapy; head and neck cancer; meta-analysis; radiation dermatitis.