[New approach to conservative therapy of radiation injuries].
OBJECTIVE
The improvement of tumor control rates and improved survival times of radiotherapy patients result in an increasing importance of radiation side effects in normal tissues.


METHODS
Possibilities for the modulation of normal tissue reaction by stimulation of tissue regeneration, or by interference with general pathogenetic pathways which are not specific for radiation damage, are illustrated by a number of examples.


CONCLUSIONS
Increasing knowledge about the pathogenesis of normal tissue radiation responses are expected to significantly improve the efficacy of prophylactic means and possibilities for conservative management of side effects of radiation therapy. Novel approaches may be developed if the so-called "humoral radiation pathology" is taken into consideration in addition to the cellular effects of radiation.
Dörr
W
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Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Medizinischen Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden.
D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D015996:Survival Rate
D006133:Growth Substances; D004921:Erythropoietin