A recent randomized clinical trial published in Radiotherapy & Oncology (June 2025) evaluated the use of a cream calendula (calendula officinalis) to prevent acute radiation-induced dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer. radiation therapy dermatitis It is a common skin reaction in cancer treatments, especially in Seniors of 50 years, which can cause redness, peeling and even ulcerations on the irradiated skin.

The purpose of the study: To compare the efficacy of a traditional Chinese herbal ointment (Bao Yuan Gao) with that of calendula cream (a natural preparation without corticosteroids) in preventing acute dermatitis during radiotherapy.

Methodology: It was a randomized clinical trial with 55 patients (mean age around 60 years) undergoing head and neck radiotherapy. Participants were divided into two groups: one applied calendula cream to the treated area from the start of radiotherapy, and the other used the alternative herbal ointment. Follow-up spanned the entire radiotherapy period (usually 6–7 weeks), with weekly assessment of skin reaction severity based on standardized clinical criteria.

Main results: Calendula cream proved to be safe and effective. Patients treated with calendula had a lower incidence of severe skin dermatitis compared to what is usually expected without prophylaxis. In the calendula group, the skin was observed to maintain its hydration and elasticity better, with less redness, cracks and pain, in contrast to the control group. No significant adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions and practical application: The study concludes that topical calendula can significantly reduce the intensity of radiation dermatitis and improve patient comfort. In practice, this finding suggests that calendula creams are a valid therapeutic option to incorporate into the skin care routine of older patients during radiation therapy, helping to protect skin integrity and accelerate recovery. Adopting this natural remedy could translate into a better quality of life and fewer interruptions of cancer treatments in this age group.