Innovative Topical Cream Offers Relief from Chemotherapy-Induced Skin Side Effects

Recent clinical research has demonstrated the promising potential of a specially formulated topical cream to alleviate skin-related side effects in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs, especially taxanes and platinum salts, frequently cause neuropathy characterized by pain, numbness, and loss of sensitivity, predominantly in the hands and feet. These adverse effects can severely impact patients' quality of life and often lead to treatment delays or dose reductions.

A groundbreaking international clinical trial, coordinated by researchers at the Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Health Biotechnology of Elche (IDiBE) at Miguel Hernández University (UMH), focused on testing a novel topical nociceutical cream developed at UMH and marketed by Prospera Biotech. The study involved 142 patients across nine hospitals in Spain and Belgium. Participants received either a conventional moisturizing cream or the new formulation to determine its effectiveness in managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

The results were encouraging: patients using the nociceutical cream experienced a significant reduction in the incidence of hand neuropathy, a delay in the onset of symptoms, and an overall lessened impact on daily activities. Specifically, the topical treatment helped prevent or delay painful sensations and hypersensitivity that often hinder cancer patients during treatment.

Up to 80% of patients receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy develop peripheral neuropathy, which can necessitate reducing chemotherapy doses or halting treatment entirely. Dr. Asia Fernández Carvajal from UMH highlighted that before this development, oncologists lacked effective preventive options. "Our study shows that this cream not only reduces the severity of symptoms but also helps maintain treatment schedules," she explained.

Fellow researcher Prof. Antonio Ferrer Montiel detailed that the cream’s ingredients serve to protect sensory nerve endings in the skin, thereby reducing discomfort and itching associated with neuropathy. It is now available across European pharmacies as a safe, non-prescription neurocosmetic product.

Moving forward, the researchers believe that incorporating this topical formulation into standard care could significantly improve patient outcomes and treatment adherence. "Although progressing through clinical trials is challenging, our goal is to establish this cream as a valuable adjunct therapy for chemotherapy patients," said Ferrer Montiel.

This innovative approach represents a step forward in managing the often debilitating side effects of chemotherapy, providing hope for improved quality of life during cancer treatment.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-topical-cream-calms-chemotherapy-side.html