This study aims to compare the prophylactic effect of topical betamethasone valerate cream and topical olive oil cream in the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) in breast cancer patients treated with radiation. Betamethasone valerate, olive oil cream and the base cream will be compared in a randomized trial to evaluate and compare the development and degree of ARD grading according to Radiation Toxicity Grading (RTOG) skin toxicity score, percentage of patients with the maximum observed ARD grade for each arm of the study, percentage of patients with moist desquamation for each arm of the study, percentage of radiodermatitis-free patients at end of therapy (EOT=time point specifically at end of 2 weeks post radiation therapy). In addition, the patients' quality of life will be evaluated using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Aim of the study:

• This study will be conducted to compare the efficacy of topical steroid cream and topical olive oil cream instituted from the start of radiotherapy in the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients.

Objectives:

1. To compare the prophylactic effect of topical betamethasone valerate cream and topical olive oil cream in the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients.

2. To provide prospective data evaluating the quality of life (QoL), as most data on QoL in breast cancer patients are derived from cross-sectional studies.

   Methodology:

   Study Design:

   • This is a prospective, double blinded, randomized, parallel study.

   Study subjects:

   A total of 132 (120 + 12) participants will be recruited in order to achieve a statistical power of 0.8, using an alpha of 0.05.Sample size calculation was performed a priori using G-Power v 3.1. based on multiple comparisons of proportions using Chi-square (χ2) test. The maximal intensity of dermatitis during treatment will be measured in each group in the three groups. The calculations will be based on the effect size of 0.284, defined by Cramer's V as medium effect .

   • The recruited patients will be randomly distributed into three groups: Group 1: Patients will apply betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream to the irradiated area twice a day.

   Group 2: Patients will apply prepared olive oil cream to the irradiated area twice a day.

   Group 3 : Patients will apply prepared base cream to the irradiated area twice a day.

   • The three different creams will have the same base .
   • All applications of the creams will be started at the initiation of radiation therapy. Creams will be applied seven days a week during the radiation therapy period, and continued for two weeks after the completion of radiation therapy. The application of the cream will be after the radiation session and 12 hours later, and in the radiation free days the patient will apply every 12 hours.
   • If the patient develops ARD she will continue our prophylactic creams while taking her medical treatment according to the grade of ARD.
   • Those patients that meet the inclusion criteria will be invited to participate before beginning their radiotherapy process (T0) and data will be collected. Data related to treatment will be obtained from the patients' medical records.

   The data to be collected:

   • Age,

   • marital status,

   • schooling,

   • smoker or non-smoker,

   • Fitzpatrick skin type, which reflects skin complexion and sensitivity to sun Type l; always sunburn/never sun tan, Type 2; always sunburn/little sun tan, Type 3; sometimes sunburn/always sun tan, Type 4; never sunburn/always sun tan ,

   • breast size (full bust circumference),

   • body mass index (BMI),

   • comorbidities,

   • the pathological stage,

   • left or right breast cancer,

   • surgery,

   • previous chemotherapy and type of regimen,

   • Radiotherapy-related variables (Radiotherapy field distribution, number of fields of radiation, total prescribed dose, daily dose, energy of radiation).

     • Patients will be evaluated weekly during the radiation therapy (3-6 weeks) and 2 weeks after the radiation therapy at the following times :

   T1 = 7 days after beginning treatment +/- 3 days; T2 = 14 days after beginning treatment +/- 3 days; T3 = 21 days after beginning treatment +/- 3 days; T4 = 28 days after beginning treatment+/- 3 days; T5 = 35 days after beginning treatment+/- 3 days; T6 = 42 days after beginning treatment+/- 3 days; T7 = 49 days after beginning treatment+/- 3 days. T8 = 56 days after beginning treatment+/- 3 days.

   • The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scale will be used to classify skin toxicity , Grade 0: being no change; Grade 1: follicular, faint, or dull erythema/epilation/dry desquamation/ decreased sweating; Grade 2: tender or bright erythema, patchy moist desquamation/moderate edema; Grade 3: confluent, moist desquamation other than skin folds, pitting edema; Grade 4: ulceration, hemorrhage, necrosis.

   • To evaluate the impact caused by radiodermatitis, we will use a validated Arabic questionnaire Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

   Patient Consent:

   • An informed written consent will be taken from all patients. The form will be explained to each patient or her caregiver before asking them to sign it.

   Outcomes to be evaluated:

   • Development and degree of ARD grading according to Radiation Toxicity Grading (RTOG) skin toxicity score {T1=7 days after beginning treatment +/- 3 days; to T8=56 days after beginning treatment+/- 3 days}.

     -Percentage of patients with the maximum observed ARD grade for each arm of the study ,

     -Percentage of patients with moist desquamation for each arm of the study [20],

     -Frequencies of different ARD grades at each time point [18],

     -Percentage of patients radiodermatitis free at end of therapy (EOT=time point specifically at end of 2 weeks post radiation therapy),

     - Mean ARD grade at the different observation time points for each group .

     -Time of development of acute radiodermatitis .

   • Patients quality of life will be measured using an Arabic version of validated questionnaire {T1=7 days after beginning treatment +/- 3 days to T8=56 days after beginning treatment+/- 3 days} .

   • Patients 'subjective symptoms (itching, pain, and burning) will be reported weekly during radiation therapy by patients using a visual analog scale (VAS) (10 cm in length, 0 = no symptoms, 10 = worst possible symptoms). In the analysis VAS recordings will be calculated as sum scores and will be grouped as follows: 0 (no); 1-10 (mild), 11-20 (moderate) and 21-30 (severe symptoms) .

   • Patients evaluation of the treatment satisfaction will be measured by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Treatment Satisfaction - General (FACIT-TS-G) at end of therapy (EOT=time point specifically at end of 2 weeks post radiation therapy) .

   • Percentage of patients with secondary skin infection / need of topical and systemic antibiotics during the whole study.

   • Patients' preference to the creams regarding smell, stickiness and easiness to rub out will be recorded using a visual analog scale (VAS) at end of therapy (EOT=time point specifically at end of 2 weeks post radiation therapy).

   Statistical analysis

   • Statistics of the study population will be described using sums and proportions. Chi-square (χ2) test will be used to calculate effect of treatment on skin reaction for categorical data.
   • A two-tailed P value < 0.05 will be deemed statistically significant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histological confirmation of breast malignancy,
• Surgical intervention for carcinoma of the breast with or without lymph node metastasis.
• Treatment with planned course of radiation therapy 5 days a week for 3-6 weeks.
• Good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (0 or 1).
• Total radiation dose of ≥42 Gy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant and lactating mothers.
• Previous radiation to the chest or breast area.
• Concomitant chemotherapy.
• Concomitant medication that may cause skin reactions.
• Use of any other product on the skin at the treatment site at any time of the study.
• Active dermatitis, history of autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, skin inflammatory diseases or any other specific skin disease.
• Treatment with local or oral corticosteroid, or antioxidant medications.
• Allergy to olive oil.
• Inflammatory carcinoma of the breast as well as those with a known allergy to olive oil.