Current radiopharmaceuticals
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Radiotherapy (RT) is a treatment method for cancer using ionizing radiation (IR). The interaction between IR with tissues produces free radicals that cause biological damages.As the largest organ in the human body, the skeletal muscles may be affected by detrimental effects of ionizing radiation. To eliminate these side effects, we used melatonin, a major product secreted by the pineal gland in mammals, as a radioprotective agent. ⋯ Melatonin can improve biochemical, electrophysiological and morphological features of irradiated gastrocnemius muscle tissues.Our recommendation is that melatonin should be administered in optimal dose. For effective protection of muscle tissues, and increased therapeutic ratio of radiation therapy, this should be done within a long period of time.
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Radiotherapy is one of the treatment methods for cancers using ionizing radiations. About 70% of cancer patients undergo radiotherapy. Radiation effect on the skin is one of the main complications of radiotherapy and dose limiting factor. To ameliorate this complication, we used melatonin as a radioprotective agent due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, free radical scavenging, improving overall survival after irradiation as well as minimizing the degree of DNA damage and frequency of chromosomal abrasions. ⋯ Melatonin can be successfully used for the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced skin injury. We recommend the use of melatonin in optimal and safe doses. These doses should be administered over a long period of time for effective radioprotection and amelioration of skin damages as well as improving the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy.