Potential Benefits of Aloe vera and Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus Gel for Prevention of Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: The main therapy for head and neck cancer is radiation, and one of the toxic effects of radiation is radiation dermatitis. Aloe vera is a species of succulent plant of the genus Aloe, widely used in cosmetic and skin care products, as well as daikon (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus), which is high in antioxidants. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of Aloe vera and daikon gel combination in head and neck cancer patients to prevent radiation-induced dermatitis. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted with eligible subjects, all head and neck cancer patients receiving radiation therapy selected in consecutive sampling. Samples were divided into two groups; either received Aloe vera and daikon combination gel (study group) or baby oil (control induced dermatitis (RID) were observed. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients were grouped into intervention (Aloe vera-daikon gel) and control (baby oil) groups. After ten radiotherapies (RT) sessions, the intervention group had a lower percentage of grade 1 RID (35% vs. 91.7%, control: 65% grade 2 RID, P < 0.001). After 20 RT sessions, 40% had no dermatitis, while all patients had RID in the control group (P = 0.061). After 30 RT sessions, the intervention group had a lower RID grade overall (gr 0: 5%, gr 1: 85%, gr 2: 10%) compared to the control group (gr 1: 33.3%, gr 2: 54.3%, gr 3: 8.3%, P = 0.002). After 35 RT sessions, the intervention group also had a lower RID grade overall (gr 0: 5%, gr 1: 65%, gr 2: 20%, gr 3: 10%) compared to the control group (gr 1: 8.3%, gr 2: 37.5%, gr 3: 45.8%, gr 4: 8.3%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of Aloe vera and daikon gel showed promising results in reducing the severity of radiation-induced dermatitis for head and neck cancer patients.