Investigation of the molecular effects of a dexpanthenol-containing ointment and liquid in the aftercare treatment of acute radiodermatitis and mucositis using newly developed 3D models for both skin conditions

This study aimed to investigate the molecular effects of radiation and subsequent aftercare treatment with dexpanthenol-containing ointment and liquid on newly established full-thickness 3D skin models depicting acute radiodermatitis and mucositis. We established in vitro models of the non-keratinized mucous membrane as well as normal human skin models. To mimic radiomucositis and radiodermatitis, models were irradiated with 5 Gray. Afterwards, models were treated topically every second day with dexpanthenol-containing ointment or liquid in comparison to placebo and untreated controls. Six samples were analyzed: 5Gy-treated radiodermatitis model vs. control radiodermatitis; 5Gy-treated mucositis vs. control mucositis; 5Gy-treated + dexpanthenol-containing ointment radiodermatitis vs. 5Gy-treated radiodermatitis; 5Gy-treated + dexpanthenol-containing liquid mucositis vs. 5Gy-treated mucositis.