Amifostine as a Radioprotectant

Amifostine is used as a radioprotectant in patients undergoing postoperative radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, where the radiation port includes a substantial portion of the parotid glands to reduce or prevent acute or late xerostomia. Amifostine also is used in conjunction with chemotherapy to decrease the incidence or severity of neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hematologic toxicity. Amifostine is used to minimize treatment-related sequelae without reducing the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.