Recruiting

Testing a skin cream to protect breast skin during radiation therapy

Plain-English translation of NCT06966388 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

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Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This pilot study is testing whether , a topical cream applied to the skin, can help protect the breast area during radiation therapy for breast cancer. Researchers want to see if using this medication twice daily—before, during, and after radiation—is practical and helps reduce skin damage from treatment. This is an early-stage study with 33 participants.

Radiation therapy for breast cancer can sometimes damage and irritate the skin in the treatment area, causing discomfort and complications. This study explores whether the medication might help prevent or reduce these skin problems, which could improve quality of life during cancer treatment.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years or older
you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have a confirmed pathology report
you are beginning radiation therapy as part of your breast cancer treatment
your ancestry is Black, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, from the Mediterranean or Pacific regions, or you tan easily in the sun
you are in good enough health to participate (ECOG performance status 0–2, meaning you can perform most daily activities)
you are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you have previously received radiation therapy to the breast or chest wall area
you are currently taking certain oral antibiotics, oral retinoids, or systemic corticosteroids (with limited exceptions for chemotherapy-related use)
you have an active rash, dermatitis, or history of skin conditions in the treatment area
you have a history of organ transplant, bone marrow transplant, or active autoimmune skin conditions like lupus or scleroderma
you are allergic to any ingredients in the azelaic acid formulation

What participation looks like

You would apply the topical cream to your breast area twice daily (morning and evening), starting one week before your radiation therapy begins and continuing for three weeks after your radiation ends. During this time, you'll also undergo your standard radiation therapy as planned by your oncology team. The study involves regular check-ins to monitor how well you tolerate the medication and how your skin responds throughout treatment.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 22, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia