Evaluation of the effect of herbal agents as management of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #female #radiodermatitis #breast-neoplasms #drugs-chinese-herbal

Evaluation of the effect of herbal agents as management of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Que et al., 2024 | Jpn J Nurs Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Que Suyun, Ma Xuanlei, ... He Jiangtao. Evaluation of the effect of herbal agents as management of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Jpn J Nurs Sci. 2024-Jan;21(1):e12559. doi:10.1111/jjns.12559

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of herbal agents in the prevention and therapy of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials were searched from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to assess the effectiveness of herbal agents compared to a standard medication or placebo in prevention or treatment of radiodermatitis in breast cancer. RESULTS: Data from 16 studies involving 1994 patients were included. This meta-analysis included 10 clinical trials of 562 breast cancer patients treated with calendula, silymarin, or aloe vera for the prevention of radiodermatitis. Silymarin showed positive effects in ameliorating the damage of radiodermatitis, whereas the efficacy of calendula and aloe vera in the treatment of radiodermatitis lacks sufficient evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Herbal medicine may show therapeutic effects on radiodermatitis in breast cancer, but more comprehensive investigations and clinical trials are required in the future.

Key Findings

Data from 16 studies involving 1994 patients were included. This meta-analysis included 10 clinical trials of 562 breast cancer patients treated with calendula, silymarin, or aloe vera for the prevention of radiodermatitis. Silymarin showed positive effects in ameliorating the damage of radiodermatitis, whereas the efficacy of calendula and aloe vera in the treatment of radiodermatitis lacks sufficient evidence.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1994
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Female
  • Radiodermatitis
  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Silymarin

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: milk-thistle

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09