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The effect of Calendula lotion in reducing the severity of radiation induced dermatitis in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer

A single-blinded randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of topical application of Calendula officinalis based lotion on the prevalence of clinically significant radiation induced dermatitis in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer.

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ANZCTR
Registry ID
ACTRN12613000165785
Enrollment
72
Registered
2013-02-11
Start date
2013-01-22
Completion date
2015-04-22
Last updated
2020-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

The main aim of this study is to compare two products for preventing or reducing the severity of radiation induced dermatitis (RID). RID is a common side effect of radiation therapy. RID is characterised by skin redness and in severe cases, the skin thins and begins to weep and may be susceptible to infection. With ongoing radiation, the skin condition and appearance often worsens. This trial aims to compare sorbolene cream which is the standard product that is recommended for use by patients at the Royal Adelaide Hospital with a lotion containing extract of Calendula officinalis (marigold flower), called Calendula lotion. Calendula is reported to have anti-inflammatory properties and may encourage skin healing. The hypothesis for the study is that Calendula lotion offers significant benefits compared to sorbolene when used for the prevention or treatment of RID. Who is it for? This study is open to women 18 years and over who have undergone prior lumpectomy or mastectomy and are due to undergo post-surgical radiotherapy for breast cancer using standard treatment pathways. Participants will need to provide informed consent, and not be undergoing any concurrent chemotherapy at the time of participation. Full exclusion criteria for this study can be found in the relevant section of this form. Trial details You will be randomised to receive either Calendula officinalis lotion (marigold extract 32%v/v) or Sorbolene lotion with 10% glycerine, which will be topically applied to skin twice a day every day of the week during radiotherapy treatment (typically a 5 week period) and for up tp 6 weeks. Participants will be instructed to apply lotion generously to entire irradiated skin using an amount approximately in size to a 20cent-50cent piece (dependent on physique).

Interventions

Calendula officinalis lotion (marigold extract 32%v/v) topically applied to skin twice a day every day of the week during radiotherapy treatment (typically a 5 week period) and for up to 6 weeks after treatment. Participants will be instructed to apply lotion generously to entire irradiated skin using an amount approximately in size to a 20cent-50cent piece (dependent on physique).

Sponsors

Dr Michael Penniment
Lead SponsorIndividual

Study design

Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Women who have undergone lumpectomy or mastectomy and are due to undergo post-surgical radiotherapy for breast cancer using standard treatment pathways No concurrent chemotherapy Informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Known allergy to calendula/officinalis or sorbolene Salicylate sensitivity Previous radiation to breast History of skin/dermatitis condition On anticoagulant therapy Pregnant or breast feeding Reaction to skin test

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ANZCTR · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026