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According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, the cytoprotective agent Ethyol® (amifostine) may allow for greater delivery of chemotherapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

.. side effects caused by radiation therapy (ulcers, dry mouth, burning of the tissue at the site the radiation is aimed) are common. ...... these side effects often cause administration of chemotherapy or additional radiation therapy to be delayed or cancelled ...... may result in compromised outcomes, including a worsening of overall survival.

.... many drugs called radiation protectors have been tested in the laboratory for prevention of radiation damage to normal cells and tissues. ..... Ethyol is a radiation protector and the only drug that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in patients receiving radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck.

The researchers concluded that amifostine allows patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are also undergoing radiation therapy to tolerate an extra cycle of chemotherapy. Longer follow-up is necessary to determine if this will result in improved survival for these patients, and future clinical trials are necessary to provide confirmed results. Patients with head and neck cancer who are to undergo radiation therapy may wish to speak with their physician regarding their individual risks and benefits of treatment with Ethyol.