Chiao TB, Lee AJ, et al.
The Annals of pharmacotherapy. Date of publication 2005 Mar 1;volume 39(3):516-22.
1. Ann Pharmacother. 2005 Mar;39(3):516-22. Epub 2005 Feb 8.
Role of pentoxifylline and vitamin E in attenuation of radiation-induced
fibrosis.
Chiao TB(1), Lee AJ.
Author information:
(1)Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121-1545, USA.
teresa.chiao@med.va.gov
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.
DOI: 10.1345/aph.1E186
PMID: 15701781 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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