• 11/28/2005
  • staff
  • cancerconsultants.com

An international randomized trial has determined that Ethyol (amifostine) protects against xerostomia while not affecting long-term outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer who undergo radiation therapy. The details of this study appeared in the November 15, 2005, issue of International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics.

Radiation therapy is commonly used to treat patients with head and neck cancers. Mucositis and xerostomia are common side effects of treatment of head and neck cancers. Ethyol has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prevention of radiation induced xerostomia but there has been concern that this agent could increase the rate of recurrences. Ethyol has also been used to prevent mucositis and renal toxicity in patients receiving chemotherapy.

The goal of the present trial was determine whether or not Ethyol increased the recurrence rate. This trial included over 300 patients who underwent radiation therapy for treatment of head and neck cancer. Approximately half of the patients received a dose of Ethyol administered 15–30 minutes prior to each dose of radiation therapy, while the other half underwent radiation only and did not receive Ethyol.

-Overall, dry mouth was improved and long-term outcomes were not compromised with the use of Ethyol.

-At over 2 years follow-up, use of Ethyol resulted in a significantly reduced incidence of xerostomia with a clinically meaningful increase in saliva production.

-Overall survival, progression-free survival, and local control were not different between the patients who received Ethyol and those who did not receive Ethyol.

These researchers concluded that Ethyol significantly improves xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer who are treated with radiation therapy. Furthermore, Ethyol does not compromise outcomes in these patients, as overall survival, progression-free survival, and local control was similar to patients who did not receive Ethyol in this trial.

Comments:
These are reassuring results and should stimulate further interest in investigating Ethyol for prevention of radiation and chemotherapy toxicities.

Reference:
Wasserman T, Brizel D, Henke M, et al. Influence of intravenous amifostine on xerostomia, tumor control, and survival after radiotherapy for head-and- neck cancer: 2-year follow-up of a prospective, randomized, phase III trial. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics . 2005; 63: 985-990.