Preliminary results of a pilot study using WR-2721 before fractionated irradiation of the head and neck to reduce salivary gland dysfunction

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(94)90562-2· OSTI ID:86485

McDonald, S; Meyerowitz, C; Smudzin, T; Rubin, P ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Rochester Medical and Dental Center, Rochester, NY (United States)

Based on in vivo evidence of radioprotection of the salivary glands using WR-2721, a pilot study was undertaken to determine the feasibility, toxicity, and salivary function of patients receiving WR-2721, while undergoing radiation therapy to the head and neck. Patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer of the head and neck were eligible if the major salivary glands received more than 45 Gy. WR-2721 was administered over 6 min IV< 10-15 min prior to each dose of radiation five times per week. Saliva was collected and measured prior to radiation therapy, weekly during radiation therapy, 1 month postradiation therapy, and every 3 months thereafter. Flow rates of unstimulated whole saliva, stimulated whole saliva, and stimulated parotid saliva were measured using standard techniques. {sup 99m}Tc salivary scintiscans were performed prior to radiation therapy, 1 month postradiation therapy and every 3 months thereafter. Nine patients are presently enrolled on the first dose level (100 mg/m2) of this study. Eight completed per protocol, two with minor decreases of total WR-2721 doses. Two patients progressed with distant metastases soon after completion of therapy. All available data are included in the analysis. Median follow-up for all patients is 18 months. Flow rates of unstimulated whole saliva decreased significantly during radiation therapy reaching 5.6% of baseline at 9 months postradiation therapy, subsequently recovering to 20% of baseline, then remaining stable over time. Stimulated whole salivary flow rate similarly decreased during radiation therapy and reached its nadir 11% flow rate decreased during radiation therapy to 1.4% of pretreatment levels. Significant recovery took place 6 months postradiation therapy and by 18 months values had recovered to 54% of baseline. {sup 99m}Tc salivary scintiscans confirmed this rebound of parotid function postradiation therapy. 27 refs., 8 figs., 3 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 86485
• Journal Information: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Journal Name: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 29; ISSN IOBPD3; ISSN 0360-3016
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
AMINES
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
FRACTIONATED IRRADIATION
HEAD
NECK
ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
RADIOPROTECTIVE SUBSTANCES
RADIOTHERAPY
SALIVARY GLANDS
THIOIC ACIDS