Skin care after chemo - 1252379

abby12
Posts:2

Biafine cream is mentioned a lot. Before trying it I want to ask, is it any good?

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Reply # - January 9, 2013, 02:55 PM

catdander
Posts:

Hi Abby, I'm not sure about this drug or the intended use you have in mind. I did a search for it on Grace and came up with only one mention of it for radiation burns.

I also did a search at clinicaltrials.org and it appears to have been studied, including one quite extensive one with over 200 clinical sites. Here is a list of the trials but I didn't find results, http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=biafine&Search=Search

Such as this from one of the trials,

"RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells, but may cause skin irritation and inflammation. Biafine cream may be effective in lessening side effects caused by radiation therapy.
PURPOSE: Randomized phase III trial to determine the effectiveness of Biafine cream in reducing side effects of radiation therapy in patients receiving treatment for head and neck cancer." from the trial linked here, http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00006481?term=biafine&rank=2

This is a link to a very good lecture from Dr. Lacouture who has become something of a hero dermatologist here at Grace. You can access the podcast or read the transcript.
http://cancergrace.org/cancer-treatments/2011/09/08/dr-mario-lacouture-…

Perhaps you will share some of your skin issues and expectations for healing.

All best,
Janine
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Reply # - February 13, 2013, 11:49 AM

dr walko
Posts: 102

Unfortunately I do not know much about it either.

Abby12, on what type of skin lesion were you considering treatment with it? There are some warnings about specific timing around radiation and should not be used on any open areas or drug rashes.

I'm happy to look into it more though if you provide a little more information.

Thanks!
Dr. Walko

Reply # - March 11, 2013, 02:16 PM

adohertyrn
Posts: 1

Abby12,
I am an Oncology Registered Nurse and see Biafine creme in my population often to help promote skin healing during and after radiation. In speaking with a radiation oncology RN today, she stated there's not much proven research to the extent of it's healing properties and that Biafene creme can have an expensive copay. She referenced Calendula creme as being cheaper and acheiving the same results, as well as aloe vera and aquaphor. As with all cremes, they're advised to be removed 2-3 hours PRIOR to radiation. To reiterate Dr Walko, you should not use on open sores and please consult your doctor if open sores develop. Hope this helped.
Ashley, RN

Reply # - March 11, 2013, 06:03 PM

Dr West
Posts: 4735

So for members of the GRACE community, Ashley is an oncology nurse I work with who is great with patients and has good experience and a great connection as a communicator. I'm so happy to have her joining in and am encouraging her to continue to offer her insights as she can. I think she'll be a very helpful, beloved addition to the GRACE community.

Thanks, Ashley!

-Dr. West

Reply # - March 11, 2013, 10:09 PM

laya d.
Posts: 714

Welcome Ashley. . .Thank you for joining us. . .

And Abby. . .my Mom used Mioderm and found it to be fabulous while she was undergoing chest radiation. I don't know what types of skin issues you are having while on chemo (and if Mioderm is suitable), but you may want to read up on it.

Laya

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