Testing a Heartburn Drug Cream to Prevent Radiation Skin Burns

Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer often leaves patients with painful skin burns. Most people getting this treatment will develop some level of skin damage. Right now doctors have no proven way to stop it from happening. They mostly just treat the symptoms after the damage appears.

Scientists think a modified version of a common heartburn medicine might help. The drug esomeprazole has been turned into a skin cream called Dermaprazole. Lab tests show it can fight inflammation and protect cells from radiation injury. It works as an antioxidant and may prevent scarring too.

A new study is putting this cream to the test. Forty-five adults with confirmed head and neck tumors will join the trial. They all need high-dose radiation combined with chemotherapy. Two-thirds will get the experimental cream. The rest will use Aquaphor, a standard healing ointment.

Participants apply their assigned product twice a day. They start at their planning scan and continue for two weeks after radiation ends. Researchers will track how many develop serious skin reactions. They also watch for side effects and check if patients can stick with the routine.

If the cream works it could change care for thousands of patients each year. Severe skin burns sometimes force treatment breaks that hurt cancer outcomes. A simple topical option would be easy to use and low cost. The results could lead to larger trials and eventually a new standard of care.