Toxicities Associated With Subcutaneous Administration of Ethyol (Amifostine) for the Prevention of Radiation-Induced Toxicities

The protective capacity of thio-containing compounds against normal tissue damage from radiation have been recognized for over 40 years.. Although intravenous administration is the approved standard route, because of practical advantages there has been increasing interest in the subcutaneous administration of Ethyol, which presents multiple advantages when used for radioprotection. Based on the data that has been presented, as well as the personal experience of this and other physicians/centers with subcutaneous administration of amifostine, the researchers are proposing an open-label study evaluating the rate and severity of toxicities associated with this route of administration. Toxicities to be assessed include nausea/vomiting, hypotension, and skin/fever reactions.