Radiation Sensitizers

ABSTRACT:The management of patients with supratentorial malignant astrocytomas has remained a major problem. Patients continue to die from a lack of local control in 90% of cases despite an improvement of median survival seen with the use of postoperative radiation therapy. Because of this, there has been considerable interest in exploring novel ways of possibly improving results. This paper reviews the rationale and clinical results with the use of altered fractionation schemes, brachytherapy, radiation sensitizers, hyperthermia, particle therapy, and radiosurgery in the treatment of these patients. Currently, there is no demonstrated advantage with the use of these experimental modalities in the initial management of patients. There would appear to be some benefit for selected patients who are treated with brachytherapy at recurrence, but its efficacy as part of initial management remains to be determined in ongoing randomized prospective trials.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of novel radiation sensitizers in vitro and in vivo

International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics ◽

10.1016/0360-3016(82)90651-4 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 8 (3-4) ◽

pp. 419-421 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

G.E. Adams ◽

P.W. Sheldon ◽

I.J. Stratford

Keyword(s):

Radiation Sensitizers

Download Full-text

Enhancement of Alkylating Agent Cytotoxicity by Radiation Sensitizers

Biochemical Modulation of Anticancer Agents: Experimental and Clinical Approaches ◽

10.1007/978-1-4613-2331-0_9 ◽

1986 ◽

pp. 171-189

Author(s):

J. Martin Brown ◽

David G. Hirst ◽

Michael R. Horsman ◽

Yvonne C. Taylor

Keyword(s):

Alkylating Agent ◽

Radiation Sensitizers

Download Full-text

Phase I study of docetaxel with concomitant thoracic radiation therapy.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.1998.16.1.159 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 159-164 ◽

Cited By ~ 105

Author(s):

A M Mauer ◽

G A Masters ◽

D J Haraf ◽

P C Hoffman ◽

S M Watson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phase I ◽

Phase I Study ◽

Optimal Schedule ◽

Late Toxicity ◽

Maximum Tolerated Dose ◽

Small Cell Lung ◽

Weekly Administration ◽

Thoracic Radiation ◽

Radiation Sensitizers ◽

Administration Schedules

PURPOSE The taxanes have demonstrated activity as radiation sensitizers in preclinical studies. This study was designed to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), optimal schedule, and toxicities of docetaxel in combination with concomitant standard chest radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-nine patients with advanced non-small-cell lung or esophageal cancer enrolled in this phase I study to evaluate escalating docetaxel doses at three schedules. Docetaxel was administered as two 21-day cycles at doses of 40, 60, and 75 mg/m2 per cycle. Docetaxel administration schedules were as follows: schedule A, once every 3 weeks; schedule B, 2 of 3 weeks; or schedule C, weekly. Six weeks of concomitant standard chest radiotherapy in 1.8- to 2.0-Gy daily fractions was delivered to 60 Gy total. RESULTS Dose-limiting esophagitis and neutropenia were encountered with schedules A and B at docetaxel doses of 60 mg/m2 per cycle. The docetaxel MTD for schedules A and B was 40 mg/m2 per cycle. Dose-limiting esophagitis was also observed with schedule C; however, there was no neutropenia. For schedule C, we identified the MTD as 60 mg/m2 per cycle (20 mg/m2/wk). Other toxicities encountered included thrombocytopenia, hypersensitivity reaction, and pulmonary infiltrates (fatal in two patients). Late toxicity of esophageal stricture occurred in five patients. CONCLUSION Esophagitis and neutropenia are the dose-limiting toxicities of docetaxel administered with concomitant chest radiotherapy. Weekly administration of docetaxel allows for the highest total docetaxel dose during chest radiotherapy. We identified the recommended phase II docetaxel dose as 20 mg/m2 administered weekly with concomitant chest radiotherapy for 6 weeks.

Download Full-text