MASCC oncodermatology clinical practice statement: prevention of acute radiation dermatitis using barrier-forming topical agents.

PURPOSE: MASCC Clinical Practice Statements (CPS) are practice-oriented resources designed to support clinicians by addressing areas of clinical need where high-quality evidence is limited. They reflect expert consensus on current practices, treatment approaches, and modalities commonly used in oncology care. This CPS aims to provide practical guidance for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) using barrier-forming topical agents.

METHODS

This CPS was developed based on a comprehensive review of the literature identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL conducted up to April 23, 2026, followed by structured discussions among experts from the MASCC Oncodermatology Study Group. The findings were synthesized into bullet points to provide a practical guide to optimal standard-of-care practices.

RESULTS

Recommendations were developed to guide patient selection, skin preparation, product choice, application schedule and technique, as well as monitoring when initiating, using, and ceasing when using barrier-forming topical agents for the prevention of ARD, with the best available evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Barrier-forming topical agents are recommended for patients undergoing radiotherapy who are at considerable risk of developing high‑grade ARD, particularly in treatment sites with irregular anatomical contours, such as head and neck cancers. Extension to other anatomical subsites may be considered; however, more robust data are required to support their routine use in these settings. Among these agents, StrataXRT currently has the most robust supporting evidence.