Superoxidase dismutase (SOD) topical use in oncologic patients: treatment of acute cutaneous toxicity secondary to radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of SOD applied topically in oncologic patients affected by acute radiodermatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study includes 57 patients who showed a dermatitis grade 2 or superior; they were administered SOD ointment b.i.d. (40 mg, weekly) and follow-up continued for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

At the end of radiotherapy, 77.1% of the patients ameliorated completely or partially, and at the end of the 12-week period 100% of patients were free of toxicity. No acute toxicity relapses were reported. Response time reduced during radiotherapy, as well as the treatment time at the end of it.

CONCLUSIONS

The employment of SOD topically is efficient in the treatment of radiodermatitis, which is an acute side effect of radiotherapy.