Advances in Mitigation of Injuries from Radiological Terrorism or Nuclear Accidents

Abstract

A program to deal with the medical consequences of a radiological terrorism incident or a nuclear accident requires three principal components: (i) the technology to rapidly determine the radiation doses received by a large number of people, (ii) methods for alleviating acute hematological radiation injuries, and (iii) approved drugs for mitigation of chronic radiation injuries. Laboratory studies have shown that all these needs can be met theoretically. However, moving from the existing laboratory studies to a deployed program is not easy. The work that still needs to be done is expensive and time-consuming, and the move from the laboratory to the field may also face severe regulatory barriers.

Radio-mitigation effect of poly-MVA after exposure to an acute dose of gamma radiation

“…They can be classified as radioprotectors and/or adaptogens. Therapeutic agents include suppressors of the reninangiotensin system and chronic oxidative stress as well as agents such as pentoxifylline to treat radiation fibrosis and growth factors to facilitate recovery from haematological injury [8]. Most radio-protecting agents, whether applied clinically or under research study, are either for prophylaxis or treatment purposes.…”

Immunomodulation Through Low-Dose Radiation for Severe COVID-19: Lessons From the Past and New Developments

“…42 As well, acute tissue injuries and/or bone marrow suppression, both known consequences of radiation therapy, were determined to be very unlikely at this dose. 43 Patients with COVID-19 and ARDS that are admitted to the ICU receive intensive supportive therapy through mechanical ventilation (although this may not be not suitable for some patients). For hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19, the mortality rate is 13-25% at day 28 of the illness.…”

“… 42 As well, acute tissue injuries and/or bone marrow suppression, both known consequences of radiation therapy, were determined to be very unlikely at this dose. 43 …”

Emerging Strategies in Radiation Countermeasure Research

“…Radioprotectors are prophylactic agents administered prior to or at the time of radiation exposure, while mitigators are given after radiation and are expected to facilitate DNA repair and apoptosis of damaged cells, reduce oxidative stress and related inflammation [11]. Radioprotectives so far developed have been predominantly derivatives of 'sulfhydryl groups'-amino thiols, amino disulphides, di-thio-carbamates, cysteine, mercaptoethylamine etc.…”