ABSTRACT
Introduction: Radiation mitigators are the compounds whichcan minimize or ameliorate post irradiation-toxicity providedthey are administered before the onset of toxic symptoms.Hence, there is an urgent need to prevent harmful effectssecondary to ionizing radiations.Material and Methods: Sixty patients of Head and neckcarcinoma more than 18 years of age of either sex and willingto give informed consent were included in the study. In Group1, 30 patients received the Beclomethasone cream that wastopically applied from the day-1 of radiotherapy till 4-weeksafter completion of radiotherapy, whereas In Group-2, 30patients received the local application of the herbal paste fromthe day-1 of radiotherapy till 4-weeks after completion ofradiotherapy.Results: For measuring radiation-induced reactions, nonparametric test like chi-square test was applied and number ofpatients in different grades was calculated as per RTOGcriteria. Similarly for measuring radiation-induced mucosalreactions, chi-square test was applied and number of patientsin different grades was calculated as per RTOG-criteria.Conclusion: Present study revealed a marked beneficialeffects of herbal paste containing Azadirachta indica, aloevera, Ocimum sanctum and Curcuma longa on radiationinduced skin injury in patients with Head and neck carcinomaas compared to topical Beclomethasone cream.
ABSTRACT
Radiotherapy is regarded as one of the most important therapeutic modality for the treatment of malignant lesions. This field is undergoing rapid advancements in the recent times. With the use of radiosensitizers and radioprotective agents, the course of radiotherapy has improved the sensitization of tumor cells and protection of normal cells, respectively. The aim of this paper was to critically review and analyze the available compounds used as radiosensitizers, radioprotectors, and radiation mitigators. For reviewing, the author used the electronic search for the keywords 'Radiosensitizers', 'Radioprotectors', 'Radiation mitigators' on PubMed for inclusion of previously published articles and further search of reference papers on individual radiosensitizing and radioprotecting agents was done. Radiosensitizers are agents that sensitize the tumor cells to radiation. These compounds apparently promote fixation of the free radicals produced by radiation damage at the molecular level. The mechanism of action is similar to the oxygen effect, in which biochemical reactions in the damaged molecules prevent repair of the cellular radiation damage. Free radicals such as OH + are captured by the electron affinity of the radiosensitizers, rendering the molecules incapable of repair. Radioprotectors are compounds that are designed to reduce the damage in normal tissues caused by radiation. These compounds are often antioxidants and must be present before or at the time of radiation for effectiveness. Other agents, termed mitigators, may be used to minimize toxicity even after radiation has been delivered. This article tries to discuss the various aspects of radiosensitizers, radioprotectors, and radiation mitigators including the newer agents.