A Phase 3 interventional study of Epicatechin and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) in Radiation Dermatitis Acute, Radiation Dermatitis and Fibrosis; Skin, sponsored by CARLOS FRANCISCO SAAVEDRA GARCIA. Enrolling by invitation at 1 site in Mexico. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 75 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-11.
Sponsored by CARLOS FRANCISCO SAAVEDRA GARCIA · Phase 3, Interventional, and Treatment
Introduction Radiation-induced dermatitis (RID), which includes both acute and chronic forms, affects up to 95% of patients undergoing radiation therapy. Despite its high incidence, there are currently no validated prevention and management recommendations specifically for the mexican population. Catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin, are emerging as a promising and readily accessible therapeutic option for radiation damage in skin and other organs, including conditions like esophagitis, intestinal injury, and mucositis.
Objective This study aims to evaluate the utility of oral or topical catechins in preventing and managing acute and chronic radiation-induced dermatitis in cancer patients, comparing their effectiveness against standard treatment.
Material and Methods
This will be a randomized, double-blind, phase III clinical trial with a longitudinal and comparative design. Patients will be allocated into two primary study groups: prevention (n=81) and treatment (n=81). Each group will be further divided into four treatment arms:
Epigallocatechin gallate (experimental aerosol)
Epicatechin (experimental capsule)
Saline control arm (aerosol)
Microcrystalline cellulose excipient control arm (capsule)
All participants across all groups will receive standard care. Study endpoints will include the assessment of utility, toxicity, quality of life, and cosmesis, using various validated scales and scores.
Ethics This study adheres to the principles outlined in the Helsinki Declaration (2024), the Nuremberg Code, and Mexico's General Health Law on health research. Given the wide therapeutic margin of the interventions, the study is classified as minimal risk.
Statistical Analysis To evaluate the efficacy of the intervention (specifically, the change in the risk of dermatitis and fibrosis), we will calculate the hazard ratio using Cox regression and compare it with the Log-Rank test. Additionally, both fixed and random effects models will be performed and compared using the likelihood ratio test.
127 studies on the registry are indexed under Radiodermatitis; 26 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 162 is above the median of 55 across 104 interventional studies indexed under Radiodermatitis.
Browse Radiodermatitis studies →This is the only study on the registry with CARLOS FRANCISCO SAAVEDRA GARCIA as lead sponsor.
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Must meet one of the following cohort-specific criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Withdrawal Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
A 0–100 scale of how well someone can carry out everyday activities. 100 is no complaints and no signs of illness; 70 is able to look after yourself but not to work or keep up normal activity; 50 is needing considerable help and frequent medical care.
Studies often ask for 60 or 70 and above. Your doctor gives the score.
A scale of how much an illness limits everyday activity. For people being assessed to join a study, scores run from 0 (fully active) to 4; lower is more active.
Studies most often ask for 0–1 or 0–2. Your doctor gives the score; the WHO scale uses the same steps. The full scale also has 5, which records death.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
A weakened immune system. It can come from an illness, such as HIV or some blood cancers, or from medicines that turn the immune system down, for example after an organ transplant or for an autoimmune disease; steroids at higher doses count.
Read whether the line is about a condition or about medicines, and which medicines and doses it means.
Karnofsky performance status (KPS)
A 0–100 scale of how well someone can carry out everyday activities. 100 is no complaints and no signs of illness; 70 is able to look after yourself but not to work or keep up normal activity; 50 is needing considerable help and frequent medical care.
Studies often ask for 60 or 70 and above. Your doctor gives the score.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
ECOG performance status
A scale of how much an illness limits everyday activity. For people being assessed to join a study, scores run from 0 (fully active) to 4; lower is more active.
Studies most often ask for 0–1 or 0–2. Your doctor gives the score; the WHO scale uses the same steps. The full scale also has 5, which records death.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Immunosuppression
A weakened immune system. It can come from an illness, such as HIV or some blood cancers, or from medicines that turn the immune system down, for example after an organ transplant or for an autoimmune disease; steroids at higher doses count.
Read whether the line is about a condition or about medicines, and which medicines and doses it means.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Oral epicatechin at a dose of 50 mg orally every 12 hours, starting from the start of radiotherapy, considering that one dose should be taken 2.5 hours before radiotherapy.
Other: Epicatechin
Microcrystalline cellulose at a dose of 50 mg orally every 12 hours, starting from the start of radiotherapy, considering that one dose should be taken 2.5 hours before radiotherapy.
Other: Microcrystalline Cellulose NF (placebo)
EGCG 660 μmol/L solution will be applied 0.5mL/cm2, 3 times a day in the treatment area from the start of radiotherapy and up to 2 weeks after the end of radiotherapy.
Other: Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)
Application of 0.5 mL/cm2 of 0.9% saline solution to the treatment area, three times per day. This regimen should be followed from the onset of radiotherapy until two weeks post-radiotherapy.
Other: Saline (0.9% NaCl)
Oral epicatechin at a dose of 50 mg orally every 12 hours from the development of grade 1 radiodermatitis, considering that one should be taken 2.5 hours before radiotherapy.
Other: Epicatechin
Microcrystalline cellulose at a dose of 50 mg orally every 12 hours, starting from the development of grade 1 radiodermatitis, considering that a dose should be taken 2.5 hours before radiotherapy.
Other: Microcrystalline Cellulose NF (placebo)
A solution of epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) 660 μmol/L, 0.5 mL/cm2, will be applied 3 times a day to the area to be treated from the development of grade 1 radiodermatitis and up to 2 weeks after the end of radiotherapy.
Other: Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)
Application of 0.5 mL/cm2 of 0.9% saline solution to the treatment area, three times per day. This regimen should be followed from the development of grade 1 radiodermatitis until two weeks post-radiotherapy.
Other: Saline (0.9% NaCl)
A comparison will be made between oral catechin (epicatechin) from two approaches: a preventive approach and a therapeutic approach.
A comparison will be made between topical catechin (EGCG) from two approaches: a preventive approach and a therapeutic approach.
Also known as: Epigallocatechin-3 Gallate
A comparison will be made between oral placebo (microcrystalline cellulose) from two approaches: a preventive approach and a therapeutic approach.
Also known as: Placebo
A comparison will be made between topical placebo (0.9% saline solution) from two approaches: a preventive approach and a therapeutic approach.
Also known as: Placebo
Change in the incidence of chronic radiation fibrosis
Chronic radiation dermatitis/fibrosis This condition is defined as an adverse skin reaction that occurs more than 90 days after the start of radiotherapy. It involves permanent structural changes to the skin, such as fibrosis and vascular atrophy. Fibrosis can increase the risk of poor wound healing, skin contractures, and pain. Radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) scale The RTOG scale is a standardized tool used to grade late-stage radiation effects. For the purposes of this study, the presence of fibrosis is graded on an ordinal scale with a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 2. On this scale, a higher score indicates a worse outcome (more severe fibrosis).
Time frame: A baseline RTOG scale evaluation is performed before the placebo or catechins treatment begins. Following treatment, primary measurements for fibrosis are taken during follow-up visits at 3 and 6 months post-radiotherapy.
Change in the radiation-induced skin reaction assessment scale (RISRAS) score
The Radiation-Induced Skin Reaction Assessment Scale (RISRAS) measures the severity of skin reactions to radiotherapy. It combines a clinician's assessment of visible signs with the patient's self-reported symptoms. A higher score, with a maximum of 37.5 points, indicates a more severe reaction. Clinicians apply the RISRAS scale to assess the the severity of acute radiation dermatitis. The change from baseline will be compared between the catechin and placebo groups to determine the impact on symptom severity.
Time frame: A baseline RISRAS scale evaluation is performed before the placebo or catechins treatment begins. Subsequent measurements are then taken up to week 7 during radiotherapy, and at 1 week and 2 weeks post-radiotherapy.
Incidence of Adverse Events
Outcome Measure Description: The frequency of adverse events, such as hepatic or hematological toxicity, will be quantified and compared between the catechin and placebo groups. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 will be used as the standardized system for grading the severity of acute adverse events. For this study, the events will be graded on its 5-point scale, ranging from a minimum of Grade 1 (mild) to a maximum of Grade 5 (death related to the adverse event). A higher score on this scale indicates a worse outcome.
Time frame: A baseline CTCAE v5.0 scale evaluation is performed before the placebo or catechins treatment begins. Subsequent evaluations are then conducted up to week 7 during radiotherapy and again at 3 months post-radiotherapy.
Dermatological Quality of Life
Outcome Measure Description: The skin-related quality of life (QoL) will be determined and compared among patients in the different treatment groups. It will be evaluated using the Skindex-16 questionnaire, a validated 16-item tool that measures skin-specific QoL across three domains: symptoms, emotions, and functioning. The questionnaire has a minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 100. On this scale, a higher score indicates a worse QoL.
Time frame: The measurement will be taken at baseline (before the placebo or catechins treatment begins), weekly up to week 7 during radiotherapy, and at 3 and 6 months post-radiotherapy.
Cumulative radiation dose at onset of grade ≥2 dermatitis
The total radiation dose (in Gray - Gy) delivered to the skin at the precise moment the first clinical signs of grade 2 (or higher) radiation dermatitis are observed, as assessed by the radiation-induced skin reaction assessment scale (RISRAS). Interpretation: A higher cumulative dose (Gy) indicates a better outcome. It signifies greater radioprotection from the intervention, allowing the patient to tolerate more radiotherapy before experiencing significant skin toxicity. Unit of measure: Gray (Gy).
Time frame: Measurements are taken throughout radiotherapy, up to week 7, with additional assessments at 1 and 2 weeks after the radiotherapy period.
Cosmetic Outcome
The cosmetic results of the skin in the treated area will be evaluated. This will be measured objectively using serial photographs. The photographs will be analyzed quantitatively with ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) to measure and compare changes in skin appearance (e.g., erythema, pigmentation, texture) between the catechin and placebo groups. Interpretation of results: Objective quantitative analysis: A statistically significant improvement in the quantitative skin appearance metrics (e.g., reduced erythema, improved homogeneity) in the catechin group compared to the placebo group at the post-radiotherapy time points indicates a better cosmetic outcome. A lack of significant difference or worse metrics in the catechin group would indicate no benefit or a worse outcome, respectively.
Time frame: Photographs will be taken at three key points: Baseline, before the placebo or catechins treatment begins. During radiotherapy, specifically at weeks 1 and 3 of treatment. Post-radiotherapy, at both 3 and 6 months after treatment.
Duration of grade ≥2 dermatitis
The length of time (in days) that the radiation dermatitis persists at a severity of Grade 2 or higher, from its onset until its resolution to grade 1 or lower, as measured by the radiation-induced skin reaction assessment scale (RISRAS). Interpretation: A shorter duration (fewer days) indicates a better outcome. It signifies a faster recovery and resolution of the skin adverse event, potentially improving patient quality of life and reducing treatment interruptions. Unit of measure: Days.
Time frame: Measurements are taken throughout radiotherapy, up to week 7, with additional assessments at 1 and 2 weeks after the radiotherapy period.
Percentage of Affected Skin Area by Radiation Dermatitis
Standardized photographs of the irradiated area will be taken and analyzed using ImageJ® software to objectively quantify the percentage of skin affected by dermatitis. This objective measurement will be compared between the catechin and placebo groups. Unit of measure: Percentage (%). A higher percentage of affected skin indicates a more severe cutaneous reaction to radiation, while a lower percentage suggests a better clinical outcome and greater radioprotection.
Time frame: Baseline, week 1, and week 3 of radiotherapy.
Compare the efficacy of a topical epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) aerosol versus an oral epicatechin (Epi) capsule
The efficacy of topical versus oral administration routes will be compared using mixed-effects models to account for repeated measures and variability within subjects. Statistical Method: A Wald test will be applied to the coefficient of the administration route term in the mixed model to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in efficacy between the two treatment groups. Interpretation of results: A statistically significant Wald test result (p \< 0.05) for the administration route coefficient indicates a significant difference in efficacy between topical and oral treatments. The direction and magnitude of the coefficient will determine which route is superior. A non-significant result suggests no detectable difference in efficacy between the two administration routes.
Time frame: The efficacy comparison of topical epigallocatechin gallate versus oral epicatechin will be conducted at the following times: at baseline (before administration), at week 7, 1 week post-radiotherapy, and 2 weeks post-radiotherapy.
Explore the 6-month event-free survival (EFS) of the study groups
Patient status is monitored throughout the study's follow-up period to determine the date of any event, defined as disease progression, cancer recurrence, or death from any cause. Statistical Method: EFS will be analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves to visually compare the probability of remaining event-free between the study groups over the 6-month follow-up period. The log-rank test will be used to assess statistical significance. Interpretation of Results: A higher probability of event-free survival (i.e., a Kaplan-Meier curve that remains higher for longer) in the catechin group compared to the placebo group indicates a better clinical outcome. A statistically significant improvement (p \< 0.05) would suggest that the intervention reduces the risk of disease progression, recurrence, or death.
Time frame: 6 months after radiotherapy concludes.
Plan to share: Yes — Only IPD used in the results publication
Supporting information: Study protocol, Statistical analysis plan, Informed consent form, Analytic code
Time frame: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) and supporting documents will be available immediately following publication of the manuscript reporting the primary results (Start Date: March 2027) and will remain accessible until March 2032 (End Date: March 2032).
Access criteria: De-identified IPD and supporting documents will be accessible to qualified researchers who provide a methodologically sound research proposal approved by an independent Data Access Committee (DAC). Requestors must also provide IRB/IEC approval for their proposed analysis and sign a Data Use Agreement (DUA) committing to data privacy, confidentiality, and use solely for the approved purpose. Requests should be submitted via email to comite.investigación@hraeb.gob.mx. Approved data will be transferred securely using encrypted methods
Start is estimated for Oct 2026; primary completion for Oct 2026, 0 months later.
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