Efficacy of an AIMP1-Derived Peptide (NeoPep-S) for Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients: A Prospective Randomized Active-Controlled Trial
In brief
NeoPep-S cream resolved itching in 100% of patients vs 50% with standard cream
In this small randomized trial after breast reconstruction and radiation, all 15 patients completing follow-up with NeoPep-S had complete itch resolution, compared with 4 of 8 using standard cream. Scar scores and pain also improved more with NeoPep-S, while skin barrier recovery was similar at 1 month; only 23 of 30 randomized patients completed the study, so larger trials are needed.
- Journal
- Aesthetic plastic surgery (Q1)
- Published
- 24 October 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Min Ji Kim, Hyungi Gi Kim, Hyung Min Han, Hyo Seob Lim, Young Joon Park, Il Jae Lee
- PMID
- 42925326
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00266-026-06395-w
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Breast and Endocrine Surgery (top studies of the week, 1 November 2026): Prospective RCT, radiodermatitis management after mastectomy reconstruction
- Picked for Radiation Oncology (top studies of the week, 1 November 2026): Randomized trial evaluates management of radiation-induced dermatitis
- Picked for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (top studies of the week, 1 November 2026): NeoPep-S improves scar and pruritus
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Radiodermatitis is a common complication of radiation therapy and poses particular risk in breast reconstruction, where skin barrier failure can lead to implant exposure and reconstructive loss. NeoPep-S, an AIMP1-derived peptide, has demonstrated wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties preclinically. This prospective, randomized, active-controlled trial evaluated the clinical efficacy of a NeoPep-S-containing cream in comparison with a conventional moisturizing barrier repair cream for managing radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant radiation therapy after mastectomy and reconstruction. METHODS: Patients receiving adjuvant radiation therapy after mastectomy and reconstruction were randomized to the NeoPep-S group or control group between March 2022 and March 2023. Objective and subjective assessments were performed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Outcomes included transepidermal water loss (TEWL) for skin barrier function, modified Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) for scar quality, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pruritus, and BREAST-Q for patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Of 30 randomized patients (2:1 ratio), 23 completed the study (NeoPep-S: n = 15, control: n = 8). TEWL recovery was comparable at 1 month (p = 0.877) but showed a sustained superiority trend at 3 months. VSS improved significantly in the NeoPep-S group at 3 months (p = 0.019), with pain reduction at both time points (p = 0.023; p = 0.002). Satisfaction with information (p = 0.007) and complete pruritus resolution (100% vs. 50%) also favored NeoPep-S. CONCLUSION: AIMP1-derived peptide (NeoPep-S)-containing cream is a beneficial adjunctive option for radiodermatitis management in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction patients, demonstrating sustained skin barrier recovery, superior scar and pain outcomes, and effective pruritus resolution. These findings support its potential role in long-term skin maintenance critical to reconstructive success. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.