[The sequelae of radiotherapy: possibilities of medical therapy]

The possibilities of medical treatment for the sequelae of radiotherapy of the various organs and apparatus are examined. Medical therapy may be utilised as a support in cases in which a favourable course is possible spontaneously, as a support in cases with chronic changes not liable to develop favourably, in cases with prospects of radical treatment, with substitutive purposes based therefore on the administration of substances that are missing as a result of the sequelae, as in the case of hormones after irradiation of endocrine organs, and finally for preventive purposes. The variously acting pharmacological substances applied locally or introduced generally which permit biological recovery, albeit partially, are recalled. The reversibility of certain sequelae, especially of those caused by the association with radiotherapy, must be borne in mind for adequate medical treatment. Medical treatment is hindered by the fact that many sequelae are caused by processes that are involved in the acute phase and which lead irreversible organic damage with few or no clinical signs. Nevertheless, when evolution is not yet complete, the anti-inflammatory substances, especially steroids, and anticoagulants of the heparin type, may prove to be very useful.