Phase 2 study of silver leaf dressing for treatment of radiation-induced dermatitis in patients receiving radiotherapy to the head and neck.

Objective: The use of silver leaf dressing is common in the treatment of burn victims owing to its capacity to improve healing and inherent antimicrobial properties. The goal of this study was to investigate its effectiveness in the treatment of radiation-induced dermatitis in a patient population receiving radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy for various carcinomas of the head and neck compared with our current standard of care, silver sulfadiazine (Flamazine).

Methods: Twelve patients presenting with cancers of the head and neck region with Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade 2 or more skin toxicity were offered topical treatment of silver sulfadiazine and silver leaf dressing.