Adjuvant radiotherapy of the pelvis with or without reduced glutathione: a randomized trial in patients operated on for endometrial cancer

Tumori. 1992 Dec 31;78(6):374-6. doi: 10.1177/030089169207800605.

Abstract

A randomized pilot trial was performed to evaluate the feasibility of administration of glutathione (GSH, 1200 mg, i.v.) as a protector in preventing diarrhea in patients operated on for endometrial cancer and submitted to adjuvant radiotherapy of the pelvis. Diarrhea occurred in 52% of patients in the untreated control group and only in 28% of patients in the GSH-treated group. Our preliminary data indicate that GSH administered before radiotherapy reduced the occurrence of diarrhea from oxidative damage to the intestinal mucosa. A large-scale phase III study is required to obtain definitive conclusions on the protective potential of GSH.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diarrhea / etiology
  • Diarrhea / prevention & control*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / surgery
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Glutathione / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / radiation effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Radiation-Protective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects

Substances

  • Radiation-Protective Agents
  • Glutathione