Abstract

Compounded Melatonin Cream for the Prevention and Treatment of Radiation Dermatitis: A Case Report

Author(s): Garcia-Segura Laura Corral, Garcia-Segura Javier Corral, Delgado Carlos Dorado, Maldonaldo Nuria Romero, Salgado Elena Cardero, Llorens Lucía Pérez

Issue: Jan/Feb 2022 - Volume 26, Number 1

Page(s): 6-8

Download in electronic PDF format for $75
  • Compounded Melatonin Cream for the Prevention and Treatment of Radiation Dermatitis: A Case Report Page 1
  • Compounded Melatonin Cream for the Prevention and Treatment of Radiation Dermatitis: A Case Report Page 2
  • Compounded Melatonin Cream for the Prevention and Treatment of Radiation Dermatitis: A Case Report Page 3

Abstract

Radiation-induced dermatitis is a common complication of radiotherapy. In Spain, the manufactured products used to prevent and treat that condition consist of emollient creams (which are often ineffective) or corticosteroids (which can cause dermal atrophy and other adverse effects). However, we have found that topically applied melatonin, a product that to our knowledge is not commercially available in Spain, is safe and effective in the prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis and a viable substitute for corticosteroid therapy. In this report, we describe the use of compounded melatonin in Beeler cream (the formulation for which is provided) in a 46-year-old woman who underwent surgery and radiotherapy for early stage adenocarcinoma of the breast. The patient applied that cream as directed throughout the prescribed course of radiotherapy and continued its use for 3 weeks after she last underwent irradiation. She experienced no adverse effects from the use of the compounded formulation and tolerated that treatment well. Radiation dermatitis did not develop at the irradiated site until approximately 1 week after the final radiotherapy session, at which time mild erythema of the treated skin emerged. That condition, which was successfully treated by application of the melatonin-containing cream as previously prescribed, resolved after 3 weeks of its use. We suggest that when manufactured products designed to prevent or treat the adverse dermal effects of radiotherapy are unavailable, fail to be effective, or prove objectionable to patients, a melatonin-containing topical compound can provide a successful alternative.

Related Keywords

  • melatonin
  • topical preparations
  • formulation
  • radiotherapy
  • radiation-induced dermatitis
  • skin irritation
  • Beeler cream
  • short-term adverse effects
  • long-term adverse effects
  • desquamation
  • erythema
  • pruritus
  • edema
  • tenderness
  • case report

Related Categories

  • CANCER AND AIDS
  • DERMATOLOGY
  • FORMULATIONS
  • CASE REPORTS
  • DOSAGE FORMS/DRUG CARRIERS

Printer-Friendly Version

Related Articles from IJPC

Issue/Page
View/Buy		 Title/Author
(Click for Abstract / Details / Purchase)
Jan/Feb 2022
Pg. 6-8
Compounded Melatonin Cream for the Prevention and Treatment of Radiation Dermatitis: A Case Report
Author(s): Garcia-Segura Laura Corral, Garcia-Segura Javier Corral, Delgado Carlos Dorado, Maldonaldo Nuria Romero, Salgado Elena Cardero, Llorens Lucía Pérez
Nov/Dec 2018
Pg. 446-454
Treatment of Dermatologic Adverse Events Induced by Oncological Treatments Using Compounded Medications
Author(s): Zur Eyal
May/Jun 2010
Pg. 210-213
Potential Treatments for Radiation Dermatitis
Author(s): Corsini Lindsay
Sep/Oct 1999
Pg. 352-354
Case Reports: Long-Term Effects of Topical Progesterone Cream Application; Progesterone Suppositories for PMS
Author(s): Ilyia Elias F, McLure Deborah, Farhat Michel Y
Mar/Apr 2022
Pg. 110-115
The Potential Effects of a Compounded Methylcobalamin Nasal Spray on Short-term Memory Loss After Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Case Report
Author(s): Good Lauren, Lieu Yi, Banov Fabiana, Harger Beau, Banov Daniel
Jan/Feb 2022
Pg. 18-23
A Compendium of Compounding Agents and Formulations, Part 1: Melatonin
Author(s): Riepl Mike
Sep/Oct 2012
Pg. 386-393
Topical Use of Sodium Cromoglicate (Cromolyn Sodium) to Treat Atopic Dermatitis and Other Skin Allergies
Author(s): Zur Eyal
Sep/Oct 2009
Pg. 386-389
Skin Disorders in Horses; Case Report: Tripelennamine in the Treatment of Skin Disorders in Horses
Author(s): Williams LaVonn A, Fokken Dawn
Mar/Apr 2012
Pg. 117-124
Gastrointestinal Mucositis: Focus on the Treatment of the Effects of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy on the Rectum
Author(s): Zur Eyal
Jul/Aug 2016
Pg. 347-350
Long-term Stability of Vancomycin Hydrochloride in Oral Solution: The Brand Name Versus a Generic Product
Author(s): Huvelle Sophie, Godet Marie, Hecq Jean-Daniel, Gillet Patricia, Jamart Jacques, Galanti Laurence M
Mar/Apr 2004
Pg. 156-159
Effect of Freezing, Long-Term Storage and Microwave Thawing on the Stability of Tramadol in 5% Dextrose Infusion in Polyvinyl Chloride Bags
Author(s): Lebrun John, Hecq Jean-Daniel, Vanbeckbergen Danielle, Jamart Jacques, Galanti Laurence M
Jul/Aug 2004
Pg. 269-274
Current Topical Treatments in Wound Healing - Part 1
Author(s): Helmke Christopher D
Nov/Dec 2003
Pg. 460-463
View Sample
Basics of Compounding for Dry-Skin Conditions
Author(s): Allen Loyd V Jr
May/Jun 2017
Pg. 205-211
Management of Psoriasis with a XemaTop Topical Compounded Formula: A Case Report
Author(s): Jones Nat, Carvalho Maria, Branvold-Herr Andrea
May/Jun 2011
Pg. 194-199
Case Report: The Use of Topical Concentrated Capsaicin Cream to Treat Erythromelalgia in a Pediatric Patient
Author(s): McElhiney Linda F
Nov/Dec 1997
Pg. 437-439
Short-Term Stability of Atenolol in Oral Liquid Formulations
Author(s): Patel Dipali, Doshi Dharmesh H, Desai Archana
May/Jun 2021
Pg. 258-262
Study on the Optimal Conditions for Long-term Storage of Melatonin Powder as an In-hospital Preparation
Author(s): Odanaka Keita, Kojima Hiroki, Nakagawa Naoto
Sep/Oct 2006
Pg. 336-342
Dermatological Effects from Years in the Sun: Compounding Opportunities
Author(s): Jones Marty
Sep/Oct 2016
Pg. 416-420
Long-term Stability of Vancomycin Hydrochloride in Glucose 5% Polyolefin Bags: The Brand Name Versus a Generic Product
Author(s): Huvelle Sophie, Godet Marie, Hecq Jean-Daniel, Gillet Patricia, Jamart Jacques, Galanti Laurence M
Nov/Dec 2020
Pg. 446-448
NASEM Report on Compounded Topical Pain Creams
Author(s): Allen Loyd V Jr