Clinical applications of radioprotectors

Patients with malignant or benign tumors who receive radiation therapy--frequently in combination with chemotherapy--are likely to experience side effects, either acutely or chronically. After several decades of preclinical and clinical research efforts, a first approved radioprotective drug, amifostine, has been introduced into the clinic. Although thus far it has been demonstrated to be effective only for the prevention of dry mouth following radiotherapy, it has the potential to be applied in many other oncologic situations.