An ambiguous phenomenon of radiation and drugs: recall reactions.
The term 'radiation recall' describes an acute inflammatory reaction in previously irradiated areas after the administration of certain inciting systemic agents. It was first described in 1959 by D'Angio that dermatitis is related to the application of actinomycin D on the skin. Though this reaction occurs frequently on the skin, it may also be seen in the oral mucosa, the larynx, esophagus, small intestine, lungs, muscle tissue, and brain. Most drugs associated with recall reactions are cytotoxics, however, several other drugs may also elicit the phenomenon. Although this phenomenon is well known, its etiology is not understood. Radiation recall reactions are generally associated with megavoltage radiotherapy. The time interval between the completion of radiotherapy and the recall reaction ranges from days to years. The recall reaction occurs on average 8 days (3 days to 2 months) after the application of the promoting agent. Although no standard treatment exists, some authors suggest discontinuation of the inciting drug and the use of corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Caloglu
Murat
M
Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey. caloglumurat@hotmail.com
Yurut-Caloglu
Vuslat
V
Cosar-Alas
Rusen
R
Saynak
Mert
M
Karagol
Hakan
H
Uzal
Cem
C
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006633:Histamine Antagonists