Efficacy and Safety of a Topical Cream Containing Adipose Tissue–Derived, Stem Cell–Derived Exosomes in Mitigating Radiation Dermatitis After Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer

Acute radiation dermatitis (RD) is a common and significant adverse effect experienced by patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy (RT). The authors of this study investigate the efficacy and safety of a topical cream infused with exosomes derived from adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC-EXOs) in reducing radiation-induced skin damage. Fifteen patients undergoing RT applied the cream to the radiation-treated areas starting the night before treatment initiation and continued use for 2 weeks posttreatment. The severity of RD was evaluated at baseline and at Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, using a 5-point Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grading scale. The peak RTOG score was observed at Week 6, aligning with the cumulative radiation exposure. Maximum RTOG grades of 0, 1, and 2 were recorded in 6.7% (1/15), 40% (6/15), and 53.3% (8/11) of patients, respectively. By Week 8, transepidermal water loss was decreased to levels below baseline. The overall occurrence of RD in this study was notably lower than that previously documented, emphasizing the protective effects of ASC-EXO-containing cream against radiation-induced skin injury. Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic).