Clinical applications of radioprotectors.
Patients with malignant or benign tumors who receive radiation therapy--frequently in combination with chemotherapy--are likely to experience side effects, either acutely or chronically. After several decades of preclinical and clinical research efforts, a first approved radioprotective drug, amifostine, has been introduced into the clinic. Although thus far it has been demonstrated to be effective only for the prevention of dry mouth following radiotherapy, it has the potential to be applied in many other oncologic situations.
Department of Radiation Oncology, Kimmel Cancer Center of Jefferson Medical College, 11 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. maria.werner-wasik@mail.tju.edu
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D004999:Amifostine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000517:prevention & control
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D004999:Amifostine