[Side effects of postoperative radiochemotherapy with amifostine versus radiochemotherapy alone in head and neck tumors. Preliminary results of a prospective randomized trial].

Abstract

According to our preliminary results amifostine has a radioprotective effect on salivary glands. Mucositis can be reduced during radiochemotherapy. At this point of patient accrual the difference between both groups are statistically not significant. To improve the radioprotective effects of amifostine in clinical practice the application of a higher dose (> 250 mg) seems to be necessary.