Mepitel Film for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of Mepitel Film in preventing acute radiation dermatitis (RD) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) across randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched on 5 March 2023 to identify relevant RCTs. RD assessment tools and outcomes were compared across studies. Pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated based on random-effects analysis using RevMan 5.4. Results Three RCTs conducted between 2018 and 2020 were included. Mepitel Film decreased RD severity when compared to Sorbolene or Biafine but not when compared to mometasone. A per-protocol analysis of two of the trials revealed that, overall, Mepitel Film significantly reduced the incidence of grade 2–3 RD (odds ratio (OR), 0.24; 95% CI, 0.09–0.65; p = 0.005) and moist desquamation (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.10–0.46; p < 0.0001) and decreased average patient, researcher, and combined components of the Radiation-Induced Skin Reaction Assessment Scale (the standardized mean difference (SMD) for patient ratings, − 2.56; 95% CI, − 3.15 to − 1.96, p < 0.00001; SMD for researcher ratings, − 3.47; 95% CI, − 6.63 to − 0.31, p = 0.03; SMD for combined scores, − 3.68; 95% CI, − 6.43 to − 0.92, p = 0.009). Noted issues with Mepitel Film included itchiness and poor adherence. Conclusion While there were discrepancies across studies, Mepitel Film demonstrated a decrease in the incidence of grade 2–3 RD and moist desquamation. These findings emphasize the need for further examining Mepitel Film’s efficacy across diverse patient groups and the importance of standardizing RD severity assessment methodologies and control arms.