Role of pentoxifylline and vitamin E in attenuation of radiation-induced fibrosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of pentoxifylline and vitamin E as monotherapy and in combination for the treatment of radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF).

DATA SOURCES: Literature retrieval was performed through MEDLINE (1966-March 2004) using the terms vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol, pentoxifylline, radiation-induced fibrosis, and radiation injury.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Few treatments exist for managing RIF of soft tissues. Due to its antioxidant properties, vitamin E may reduce the oxidative damage induced by radiation. The precise mechanism of action for pentoxifylline in management of RIF remains unclear. Uncontrolled studies evaluating vitamin E or pentoxifylline as monotherapy in RIF have shown modest improvement in clinical regression of fibrosis. However, controlled data are needed to verify these benefits. Studies involving pentoxifylline plus vitamin E demonstrated regression in RIF. The combination was more effective than placebo and may be superior to monotherapy with either agent. Adverse effects were rarely reported in the studies and consisted mainly of gastrointestinal and nervous system effects.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, pentoxifylline is well tolerated and is one of the few commercially available drugs with clinical data for management of RIF. Despite a lack of large, well-designed clinical trials, pentoxifylline plus vitamin E should be considered as an option in patients with symptomatic RIF.

Medienart:

Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2005

Erschienen:

2005

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:39

Enthalten in:

The Annals of pharmacotherapy - 39(2005), 3 vom: 08. März, Seite 516-22

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Chiao, Teresa B [VerfasserIn]
Lee, Audrey J [VerfasserIn]

Themen:

1406-18-4
Antioxidants
Journal Article
Pentoxifylline
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review
SD6QCT3TSU
Vitamin E

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 06.05.2005

Date Revised 21.11.2013

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM153594349