Pentoxifylline in prevention of radiation-induced lung toxicity in patients with breast and lung cancer: a double-blind randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
Pentoxifylline (Ptx) is thought to be helpful in preventing radiotoxicity by inhibiting platelet aggregation and tumor necrosis factor. We assessed whether prophylactic use of Ptx could prevent early and late normal lung tissue damage due to radiotherapy in a double-blind, randomized trial.


METHODS
A total of 40 patients with lung or breast cancer were randomized to receive Ptx (400 mg) or a placebo, 3 times daily, during the entire period of radiotherapy. We used the late effects normal tissue-subjective, objective, management, and analytic (LENT-SOMA) scale to evaluate and compare toxicity, including the findings of pulmonary function tests and radiologic and scintigraphic evaluations performed before and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up.


RESULTS
According to the LENT score, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in favor of Ptx (p = 0.016). The difference in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide and regional perfusion scan results were found to be statistically significant between the groups at 3 and 6 months (p <0.05). The use of Ptx resulted in a noticeable reduction in the higher degrees of lung injury detected radiologically.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study showed a significant protective effect of Ptx for both early and late lung radiotoxicity. We recommend the prophylactic use of Ptx, finding it to be safe and effective.
Ozturk
Berrin
B
Department of Radiation Oncology, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey. berrin33@yahoo.com
Egehan
Ibrahim
I
Atavci
Sevil
S
Kitapci
Mehmet
M
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage
D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D010431:Pentoxifylline