The results of a double-blinded, randomised, vehicle-controlled clinical study showed that Xclair® cream (formerly MAS065D) is safe and effective in the treatment and prevention of radiation dermatitis. These results were published in the latest issue of the European Journal of Dermatology.

Forty women who received radiotherapy following conservative breast cancer surgery were randomised to receive either Xclair cream (22 patients) or a cream containing a control vehicle (18 patients). They received Xclair during their radiation therapy and for three weeks after completion of radiation. Patients treated with Xclair demonstrated a statistically significant improvement compared to controls in maximum severity of skin toxicity (p < 0.0001), burning within the radiation field (p = 0.039) and desquamation or shedding of outer skin layers (p = 0.02). Desquamation, especially when it reaches the moist stage, can become a morbidity and quality of life challenge to radiation therapy patients. Doctor Maria Cristina Leonardi of the Division of Radiation Oncology at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy was the lead author. The study authors concluded that Xclair cream is an effective treatment regimen for the prevention of radiation-induced skin reactions and promotion of symptomatic relief.

Xclair’s has a unique triple mechanism of action-  anti-inflammatory, barrier-forming and hydrating properties that can minimize the side effects of radiation therapy on the skin. The authors noted that currently there is no universally accepted standard approach for the management of radiation dermatitis. No adverse events were observed or reported and none of the patients on the Xclair arm were required to stop radiotherapy as a consequence of the effects of their radiation dermatitis. The authors concluded that Xclair is “effective in the prevention of radiation skin reactions and the promotion of symptomatic relief.”

Xclair’s multiple ingredients help to hydrate and moisturise damaged skin and slow down immune system reactions to radiation. Hyaluronic acid, one of Xclair's main ingredients, has been shown to retain up to 1000 times its weight in water and is a major component of the extracellular matrix of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is also important in wound healing and helps to stimulate fibroblasts and fibrin development. Telmesteine helps to maintain hyaluronic acid at the site of radiation damage and has antielastase and anti-collagenase activity. Glycyrrhetinic acid confers anti-inflammatory properties which help accumulate endogenous hydrocortisone at the radiation site. Xclair's properties address the three main challenges in the management of radiation dermatitis: moisturise, reduce inflammation and facilitate wound healing.

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