Amifostine: a radioprotector in locally advanced head and neck tumors

Patients with locally advanced head and neck tumors were treated +/-amifostine (200 mg/m2, i.v.) before radiotherapy (5x 2 Gy, for 6 weeks). A significant decrease in side effects (p=0.034) using the oral assessment score and duration of mucositis (p=0.02) in the amifostine group was observed. Amifostine is feasible and effective, decreasing acute and late side effects in patients with head and neck tumors.