Positive Health Online

Abstract

BALZARINI and colleagues, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care Department, National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy assessed the effects of homoeopathic Belladonna 7cH and X-ray 15cH associated in the treatment of acute radiodermatitis.

Background

Methodology

The authors conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with 66 patients operated on for breast cancer and who were undergoing radiotherapy. Over ten weeks the following parameters were assessed: breast skin colour, warmth, swelling and pigmentation. Assessment and follow-up were during radiotherapy, during recovery, 15 and 30 day after the end of radiotherapy.

Results

Differences in the scores of the Index of Total Severity during Radiotherapy were not statistically significant; however there was a trend towards a better activity of the homoeopathic medicine compared to placebo. The data on Total Severity during recovery showed a statistically significant benefit of the active medicines over placebo. The homoeopathic medicines had particular effectiveness on the heat of the skin. The limited number of patients and the dosage used may have interfered with the significance of the results, which were not affected by chemotherapy and hormonotherapy.

Conclusion

References

Balzarini A et al. Efficacy of homeopathic treatment of skin reactions during radiotherapy for breast cancer: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial. The British Homoeopathic Journal 89(1): 8-12. Jan 2000.