Protection against Radiotherapy-Induced Toxicity

Abstract

Radiation therapy is a highly utilized therapy in the treatment of malignancies with up to 60% of cancer patients receiving radiation therapy as a part of their treatment regimen. Radiation therapy does, however, cause a wide range of adverse effects that can be severe and cause permanent damage to the patient. In an attempt to minimize these effects, a small number of compounds have been identified and are in use clinically for the prevention and treatment of radiation associated toxicities. Furthermore, there are a number of emerging therapies being developed for use as agents that protect against radiation-induced toxicities. The aim of this review was to evaluate and summarise the evidence that exists for both the known radioprotectant agents and the agents that show promise as future radioprotectant agents.

Research and Development of Radioprotective Agents: A Mini-Review

“…For examples, glutamine, a non-essential amino acid was widely studied for its potential protective effect on mucositis, dermatitis and oespahagitis [114][115][116][117] ; pentoxifyline, a methyl xanthine derivative, decreased the risk of radiation toxicity in lung [118] ; benzydamine could prevent and treat oral mucositis [119] ; and sulfasalazine was evaluated for its effects on radiotherapy-induced enteritis [120] . To date, there are still a limited number of chemical RAs clinically used to minimize the severity and duration of toxicities associated with radiotherapy.…”

“…Some other agents such as palifermin [121] , genistein [122] , angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors [123] , melanin [124] , hemocyanin [125] and Vitamin D [126] showed a promising effect against the radiation toxicity, however there is a lack of high quality clinical studies for most of the agents described. The evaluation of safety and efficacy of these emerging agents are needed and their effects on tumor sensitivity should be verified [117] . Phytochemicals and extracts of herbs and medicinal plants are good RA candidates.…”

Synergetic role of senna and fennel extracts as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic agents in irradiated human blood lymphocyte cultures

“…In addition to free radical production, another mechanism of indirect toxicity post-irradiation is through the inflammatory process (Hall et al, 2016). Numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are released shortly after irradiation (Son et al, 2019).…”

“…Numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are released shortly after irradiation (Son et al, 2019). These include IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β which are of particular importance in pathophysiology of radiation toxicity (Hall et al, 2016).…”

Comparative Real Time EPR Investigation of Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants: As Potential Anticancer Agents and Radio-protectors

“…Moreover, some of these nitrosoureas showed higher anti-leukemic and anti-melanomic effect and better immune-modulatory properties, as compared to non-labeled CCNU 17 . To reduce oxidative stress negative consequences, induced by radiation or chemotherapy, a number of microbial/ phyto materials and synthetic antioxidants have been successfully utilised [18][19][20][21] . Various combinations can reduce the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and cause protective efficacy 22, due to their multi-plant content or chemically-isolated constituents.…”