Robert Thomas1,2,3, Madeleine Williams4, Michael Cauchi5, Saul Berkovitz6, Sarah A Smith7. 1. Bedford and Addenbrooke's Cambridge University Hospital Trusts c/o The Primrose Unit, Kempston Rd, Bedford, MK42 9DJ, UK. rt@cancernet.co.uk. 2. The Primrose Unit Research Office, Bedford Hospital, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ, UK. rt@cancernet.co.uk. 3. Department of Biological and Exercise Science, Coventry Univerity, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK. rt@cancernet.co.uk. 4. The Primrose Unit Research Office, Bedford Hospital, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9DJ, UK. 5. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. 6. Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3HR, UK. 7. Bedford and Addenbrooke's Cambridge University Hospital Trusts c/o The Primrose Unit, Kempston Rd, Bedford, MK42 9DJ, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Nail damage is common amongst patients receiving chemotherapy causing disfigurement and pain. This investigation evaluated whether a topical balm containing steam-extracted, bioactive polyphenolic-rich herbal oils blended with organic waxes could protect the nails via their reported anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties. METHODS:60 patients (23M, 37F) were randomised to apply (2-3/day) either the plant balm (PB) or a petroleum control (PC) to their nail beds. Demographics, type and number of chemotherapy cycles did not differ between the two groups, recruited between Sept 2015 and Sept 2016. An unpaired t test was used to test the differences in symptoms and physical nail damage between the two groups. RESULTS:Symptom scores recorded with the dermatology life quality questionnaire (DLQQ) were significantly better, between the start and end of chemotherapy, in the group applying the PB versus PC. Likewise, the mean fall in nail damage, scored with the Nail Psoriasis Index by the supervising physician, was also significantly different. CONCLUSION: The polyphenolic-rich essential oils and plant-based waxes in this nail bed balm profoundly reduced chemotherapy-related nail damage and improved nail-related quality of life, compared to a control. A further analysis is planned combining this balm with nail bed cooling.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: Nail damage is common amongst patients receiving chemotherapy causing disfigurement and pain. This investigation evaluated whether a topical balm containing steam-extracted, bioactive polyphenolic-rich herbal oils blended with organic waxes could protect the nails via their reported anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties. METHODS: 60 patients (23M, 37F) were randomised to apply (2-3/day) either the plant balm (PB) or a petroleum control (PC) to their nail beds. Demographics, type and number of chemotherapy cycles did not differ between the two groups, recruited between Sept 2015 and Sept 2016. An unpaired t test was used to test the differences in symptoms and physical nail damage between the two groups. RESULTS: Symptom scores recorded with the dermatology life quality questionnaire (DLQQ) were significantly better, between the start and end of chemotherapy, in the group applying the PB versus PC. Likewise, the mean fall in nail damage, scored with the Nail Psoriasis Index by the supervising physician, was also significantly different. CONCLUSION: The polyphenolic-rich essential oils and plant-based waxes in this nail bed balm profoundly reduced chemotherapy-related nail damage and improved nail-related quality of life, compared to a control. A further analysis is planned combining this balm with nail bed cooling.
Entities:
Keywords:
Breast cancer; Double-blind clinical trial; Prevention of onycholysis; Prostate cancer; Quality of life; Randomised; Taxane chemotherapy side effect