A new randomized trial finds that the use of a diluted solution of water and green tea extract (epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG) sprayed on the skin during a course of radiation therapy for breast cancer reduced the severity of skin reactions (radiation dermatitis) by greater than 20% compared with a placebo solution. The solution was sprayed on the whole radiation field three times a day, from day 1 of radiotherapy until two weeks after radiation completion. Compared to the placebo group, the EGCG group had significantly lower rates of grade 2 (moderate) burning feeling (19.8% vs 44.4%), itching (41.4% vs 72.2%), pain (13.5% vs 24.1%), and tenderness (21.6% vs 46.3%).