A gentler future for radiation treatment
For many people facing cancer, radiation therapy is a vital part of their treatment.聽 But for most patients, it also brings an uncomfortable and sometimes painful side effect 鈥 skin damage caused by radiation.
Associate Professor Hannah Wardill
Nearly every person who undergoes radiation therapy experiences some form of skin irritation, and for many, it can become severe, leading to pain, peeling, infection, and lasting scars.聽 These symptoms can affect confidence, comfort, and quality of life at a time when patients are already dealing with so much.
Now, researchers at the South Australian immunoGENomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI) and at the University of Adelaide are working to change that experience.聽 With the support of the and generous donors, the team has launched a world-first clinical study called REPAIR-I, testing a new lotion designed to protect the skin during radiation treatment.
Leading the clinical trial is , Head of the University of Adelaide鈥檚 Supportive Oncology Research Group, who is working alongside Director of SAiGENCI, , and radiation oncologist .
At the heart of this research is parthenolide, a natural compound extracted from the feverfew daisy.聽 Developed by SAiGENCI scientists and part of the broader Daisy Project, parthenolide has shown the ability to protect healthy cells from radiation damage.聽 The team鈥檚 goal is simple but powerful:聽 help patients get through radiation treatment with less pain and fewer side effects 鈥 without affecting how well the treatment works against cancer.
鈥淭here is very little available to prevent radiation skin damage,鈥 said Associate Professor Hannah Wardill, who leads the study.聽 鈥淚n some cases, skin reactions become so severe that treatment has to be slowed or stopped.聽 If we can protect the skin, we can help patients stay on track and feel better during a very challenging time.鈥
Radiation-related skin damage was chosen as the first focus because of its enormous impact on patients.聽 Beyond physical discomfort, it can cause emotional distress and often requires extra medical care.聽 Despite years of research worldwide, there is still no reliable way to prevent it.
The REPAIR-I study is being carried out with the Royal Adelaide Hospital鈥檚 Radiation Oncology team, alongside , who are helping develop the lotion.聽 The work is also inspired by the late Peter Francis, founder of Plantworx, whose own cancer experience and belief in plant-based medicine helped bring this collaboration together.
Recruitment is now well underway, with participants including people from regional and rural areas.聽 Early results are encouraging, showing clear signs that the lotion may reduce skin damage.聽 Patients have used the lotion consistently, and feedback from both participants and nurses has been overwhelmingly positive.
鈥淲e see radiation skin damage every day,鈥 said one radiation oncology nurse.聽 鈥淭o finally have something that appears to help is incredibly exciting.鈥
If these results continue, this simple, plant-based approach could change radiation care not just in Australia, but worldwide 鈥 offering patients a gentler path through treatment, and a better quality of life during their cancer journey.
Further philanthropic support would allow this research to progress into Phase 2 trials, helping ensure fewer patients have to endure painful skin damage during radiation treatment.聽 To learn more about supporting this work, contact mitzi.hornby@adelaide.edu.au